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23  WEST  MA!N  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  14580 

(716)  872-4503 


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CIHM/ICMH 

Microfiche 

Series. 


CbHIVI/ICMH 
Collection  de 
microfiches. 


Canadian  Institute  for  Historical  Microreproductions  /  Institut  Canadian  de  microreproductions  historiques 


Technical  and  Bibliographic  Notes/Notes  tachniquas  at  bibJiographiquas 


The  Instituta  has  attan'.ptad  to  obtain  tha  baat 
original  copy  available  for  filming.  Faaturaa  of  this 
copy  which  may  be  bibliographically  unique, 
which  may  alter  any  of  tha  images  in  tha 
reproduction,  or  which  may  significantly  change 
the  usual  method  of  filming,  are  checked  below. 


D 


D 


D 


D 
D 


D 


D 


Coloured  covers/ 
Couverture  de  couleur 


I     1    Covers  damaged/ 


Couverture  ervdommagie 


Covers  restored  and/or  laminated/ 
Couverture  restaur^  at/ou  pelliculAe 


I      I    Cover  title  misain^/ 


Le  titre  de  couverture  manque 


Coloured  maps/ 

Cartes  gAographiques  en  couleur 


Coloured  ink  (i.e.  other  than  blue  or  black)/ 
Encre  da  couleur  (i.a.  autre  que  bieue  ou  noire) 


pn    Coloured  plates  and/or  illustrations/ 


Planches  at/ou  illustrations  an  couleur 


3ound  with  other  material/ 
RaliA  avac  d'autras  documents 


Tight  binding  may  cause  shadows  or  distortion 
along  interior  margin/ 

La  re  liure  serree  peut  caisser  de  I'ombre  ou  de  la 
distorsion  lo  long  do  la  marge  intirieure 

Blank  leaves  added  during  restoration  may 
appear  within  tha  text.  Whenever  possible,  these 
have  been  omitted  from  filming/ 
II  se  peut  que  certaines  pages  blanches  ajouties 
lors  d'une  restauration  apparaissent  dans  la  texte, 
mais,  lorsque  cela  itait  possible,  ces  pages  n'ont 
pas  ixi  filmias. 

Additional  comments:/ 
Commentaires  suppldmentaires; 


L'Institut  a  microfilm^  le  meilleur  exemplaire 
qu'il  lui  a  iti  possible  de  se  procurer.  Las  details 
de  cc(  exemplaire  qui  sont  peut-itre  uniques  du 
point  de  vue  bibliographique.  qui  peuvent  modifier 
une  ima^e  ruproduite,  ou  qui  peuvent  exiger  une 
modification  dans  la  mithode  normale  de  filmage 
sont  indiquAs  ci-dessous. 


r~1   Coloured  pages/ 


D 


Pages  de  couleur 

Pages  damaged/ 
Pages  endommagias 

Pages  restored  and/oi 

Pagis  restaur^es  et/ou  pellicul^es 

Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxe< 
Pages  dicolor^es,  tacheties  ou  piquies 


l~~|    Pages  damaged/ 

p~~|    Pages  restored  and/or  laminated/ 

r~p\    Pages  discoloured,  stained  or  foxed/ 


□    Pages  detached/ 
Pages  ditachees 

~y.    Showthrough/ 
'   Transparence 


r~7|    Quality  of  print  varies/ 


Quality  inigale  de  I'impression 

Includes  supplementary  material/ 
Comprend  du  material  supplimentaire 

Only  editiofi  available/ 
Seule  Edition  disponible 


Pages  wholly  or  partially  obscured  by  errata 
slips,  tissues,  etc.,  have  been  ref limed  to 
ensure  the  best  possible  image/ 
Les  pages  totalement  ou  partieilement 
obscurcies  par  un  feuillet  d'errata.  une  pelure, 
etc.,  ont  it6  filmdes  i  ncuveau  de  facon  i 
obtanir  la  meilleure  image  possible. 


This  item  is  filmed  at  the  reduction  ratio  checked  below/ 

Ce  document  est  filmi  au  taux  de  rMuction  indiqui  ci-dessous. 

IPX 14X 18X 22X 

I         \        I        I         \         I        \        i        I         \        I        \J 


26X 


30X 


12X 


16X 


20X 


24X 


28X 


32X 


The  copy  filmed  here  har 
to  the  generosity  of: 


been  reproduced  thenics 


Douglas  Library 
Queen's  University 


L'exemplaire  film*  f ut  reproduit  grAce  A  la 
giniroait*  de: 

Douglas  Library 
Queen's  University 


The  images  appeering  here  are  the  best  quality 
possible  considering  the  condition  and  legibility 
of  the  original  copy  and  in  Iceeping  wGth  the 
filming  contract  specifications. 


Original  copies  in  printed  paper  covers  are  filmed 
beginning  with  the  front  cover  and  endi^g  on 
the  last  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, or  the  bacic  cover  when  appropriate.  All 
other  original  copies  ere  filmed  beginning  on  the 
first  page  with  a  printed  or  illustrated  impres- 
sion, end  ending  on  the  laat  page  with  a  printed 
or  illustrated  impression. 


Les  images  suivantes  ont  MA  reproduites  avec  le 
plus  grand  soin,  compte  tenu  de  le  condition  et 
de  la  nettetA  de  rexemplaire  filmA.  et  en 
conformitA  avec  les  conditions  du  contrat  de 
filmage. 

Les  exemplaires  orlginaux  dont  la  couverture  en 
pepler  est  ImprimAe  sont  filmAs  en  commenpant 
par  le  premier  plat  et  en  terminant  soit  par  la 
dernlAre  pege  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'Impreeslon  ou  d'illustration,  soit  par  le  second 
plat,  salon  le  cas.  Tous  les  autres  exempieires 
orlginaux  sont  filmAs  en  commen^ant  par  la 
pramlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  empreinte 
d'impression  ou  d'illustration  et  en  terminant  par 
la  dernlAre  page  qui  comporte  une  telle 
empreinte. 


The  last  recorded  frame  on  each  microfiche 
shall  contain  the  symbol  —^»il  meaning  "CON- 
TINUED"), or  the  symbol  V  (meaning  "END"), 
whichever  applies. 


Un  dee  symboles  suivants  apparaftra  sur  la 
dernlAre  image  de  cheque  microfiche,  seion  le 
cas:  le  symbole  -^  signifie  "A  SUIVRE",  le 
symbols  V  signifie  "FIN  ". 


IVIaps,  plates,  charts,  etc.,  may  be  filmed  at 
different  reduction  ratios.  Those  too  large  to  be 
entirely  included  in  one  exposure  are  filmed 
beginning  in  the  upper  left  hand  corner,  left  to 
right  and  top  to  bottom,  as  many  frames  as 
required.  The  following  diagrams  illustrate  the 
method: 


Les  cartes,  planches,  tableaux,  etc.,  peuvent  Atre 
filmAs  A  des  tsux  de  rAduction  diffArents. 
Lorsque  le  document  est  trop  grand  pour  Atre 
reproduit  en  un  seul  cllchA,  11  est  filmA  A  psrtir 
de  I'angle  supArieur  gauche,  de  gauche  A  droite, 
et  de  haut  en  bas,  en  prenant  le  nombre 
d'imagas  nAcesseire.  Les  diegrammes  suivants 
illustrent  le  mAthode. 


1 

2 

3 

1 

2 

3 

4 

5 

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f  iCOUSTA; 


-"      ■^.t€.."    "t:v 


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"  '•        OB, 


THE    PROPHECY. 


^w^;. 


AN   INDIAN   TALE. 


^1 


''*  Vensewee  to  atlU  alWe ;  firom  her  dark  corert,  '/•'• 

With  all  her  antkM  erect  upon  her  crest,  %:    -' 

.Sheslalkaln  view,  and  firea  me  with  her  charmi."  hf 

Tm  Rirmw. 


.■■■       ■■-•,    9     •.•'■**. 


BY  MAJOR  RICHARDSON, 

AUTHOR   OP  "hARDSCRABBLE,"   "ficART£,"   &C. 


4k;  ♦•^j^^t: 


# 


.-? 


BETI8SD  BDrnOH. 


.'    4<^"S^J. 


>;'V-^, 


1^    ^T^ 


NEW  YORK: 

DKWITT  &  DAVENPORT,  PUBLISHERS. 

TRIBUNB    BUILDINGS. 


)    v-* 


Y 


^pppmir 


'P5?A.35.T;^7  V1/3      ^5JL    " 


.-;) 


f: 


KiJiLiod  iicjovjing  to  Act  of  Congress,  in  the  year  1851,  by 
DEWITT    A    1>AV]!;NP0UT, 

in  the  Clark's  Ofliue  c!'  tiic  Di-tvict  Court  of  tlio  United  Statos  I'or  the  Southern 

t'litrict  ci'  ^'c\v  Yolk. 


..!•- 


INTRODUCTION. 


This  Chapter,  written  eighteen  years  subsequent  to  the  original  publicatioa 
of  AVacousta  in  Loudon,  will  be  found  unavoidably  replete  with  egotism.  By 
none  will  it  be  more  readily  pronounced  such  than  by  those  who  are  most 
open  to  the  charge  themselves.  Without  its  exercise,  however,  the  object  of 
this  introductim  would  not  be'jriiinud* 

As  the  reader  inaj'  be  curious  to  know  on  what  basis,  and  in  what  manner 
this  story  (of  which  T  have  certainly  robbed  that  first  of  viRorous  American 
Novelists — the  '•'  Last  of  tbe  ISIohicans"  Cooper — which  tale,  albeit  I  have  never 
read  a  novel  by  another  author  (vNnce,  1  have  abpolutely  devoured  tkree  times,  ^ 
was  suggested  to  me,  and  on  what  particular  portions  of  History  the  story  is 
founded,  I  am  not  aware  that  this  introductory  Chapter,  which  I  have  prom 
isod  my  Publishers,  can  be  better  devoted  than  to  the  explanation. 

It  is  well  known  to  every  man  conversant  with  the  earlier  History  of  this 
country  that,  shortly  subsequent  to  the  cession  of  the  Canadas  to  England  by 
Franco,  Ponteac  the  great  Head  of  the  Indian  race  of  that  period,  had  formed 
a  federation  oRthe  various  tribes,  threatening  extermination  to  the  British  posts 
established  along  the  Western  Frontier.  These  were  nine  in  nuinber,  and  the 
following  stratagem  was  resorted  to  by  the  artful  chief  to  effect  their  reduc- 
tion. Investing  one  ibi-t  with  his  warriors,  so  as  to  cut  off  all  communication 
with  the  others,  and  to  leave  no  hope  of  succor,  his  practice  was  to  offer  terms 
of  surrender  which  never  were  kept  in  the  honoralile  .spirit  in  which  the  far 
more  noble  and  generous  Tccumseh  always  acte<l  with  his  enemies,  and  thus  in 
turn,  seven  of  these  outposts  fell  victims  to  their  confidence  in  his  tmth. 
Detroit  and  Michillimackinac,  or  Mackinaw  as  it  is  now  called,  remained,  and 
all  the  nigenuity  of  the  Chieftain  was  directed  to  the  possession  of  these 
strongholds.  The  following  plan,  well  worthy  of  his  invention,  was  at  length 
detenninetl  upon.  D>n'ing  a  temporary  truce,  and  while,  Ponteac  was  hold- 
ing forth  proposals  for  an  ultimate  and  durable  peace,  a  ball  playing  was  ar- 
ranged by  him  to  take  place  simultaneously,  on  the  coiumon  or  clearing  on 
which  rested  the  forts  of  Michillimackanac  and  Detroit.  The  better  to  accom- 
plish their  object,  the  guns  of  the  warriors  had  been  cut  short  and  given  to  their 


121759 


IV 


I NTROOLUTION 


womcu  who  wuif  iiislnitlcd  to  <'oncoal  thciii  under  tlieir  blankets,  and  diirinfj 
tho  ganif.  and  st'Lininp;l\  without  design,  to  approach  tlie  (h-awbridge  ol' 
tho  fort.  This  precaution  taken,  the  players  were  to  approach  and. throw 
over  their  ball,  permission  to  regain  which  they  presumed  would  not  be  de- 
nied. On  approaching  the  drawbridge,  they  were  with  iiercc  yells  to  make 
a  general  rush,  and.  securing  the  arms  concealed  by  tlie  women,  to  massacre 
the  unprepared  garrison.  The  day  was  lixeil — the  game  connnenced,  and 
was  proceeded  with  in  the  maimer  previously  arranged.  The  ball  was  dex- 
terously hurled  into  the  fort,  and  permission  asked  to  j-ecover  it.  It  was 
granted.  The  drawbridge  was  lowered,  and  tho  Indians  dashed  forward  for 
tho  accomplishment  of  their  work  of  blood.  How  different  the  result  in  the 
two  garrisons  !  At  Detroit,  Ponteae  and  his  warriors  had  scarcely  crossed  the 
drawbridge  when  to  their  astonishment  and  disappointment,  they  beheld  the 
guns  of  the  ramparts  depressed — the  artillerymen  with  lighted  matches  at 
•ihoir  posts  and  covering  tho  little  gari'ison,  composed  of  a  few  companies  of 
the  42d  Highlanders,  who  were  also  under  arms,  and  so  distributed  as  to  take 
the  enemy  most  at  an  advantage.  Sullenly  they  withdrew,  and  without 
other  indication  of  their  pui-pose  than  what  had  been  expressed  in  their  man- 
ner, and  carried  off  the  missing  ball.«  Their  design  had  been  discovered  and 
made  known  by  means  of  signiticaut  warnings  to  the  Governor  by  an  Indian 
woman  who  owed  a  debt  of  gratitude  to  his  family,  and  was  resolved,  at  all 
hazards,  to  save  them.  On  the  same  day  tho  same  artifice  was  resorted  to  at 
Michillimackinac,  and  with  the  most  complete  success.  There  was  no  guardian 
{ingel  there  to  warn  them  of  danger,  and  all  fell  beneath  the  riiic,  the  toma- 
iiawk,  the  war-club,  and  the  knife,  one  or  two  of  the  traders — a  Mr.  Henry 
among  the  rest — alone  excepted. 

It  was  not  long  after  this  event,  when  the  head  of  the  inilitary  authorities 
in  the  Colony,  apprised  of  the  fate  of  these  defeated  posts,  and  made  acquainted 
with  the  perilous  condition  of  Fort  Detroit,  which  was  then  reduced  to  the 
last  extremity,  sought  an  officer  who  would  volunteer  the  charge  of  supplies 
from  Albany  to  Buifalo,  and  thence  across  the  lake  to  Detroit,  which,  if  possi- 
ble, he  was  to  relieve.  That  volunteer  was  promptly  found  in  my  maternal 
grandfather,  Mr.  Erskine,  from  Strabane,  in  tho  North  of  L-cland,  then  an  offi- 
cer in  the  Commissariat  Department.  The  difficulty  of  the  undertaking 
will  be  obvious  to  those  who  understand  the  danger  attending  a  journey 
through  the  Western  wildeniess,  beset  as  it  was  by  the  warriors  of  Ponteae. 
-ever  on  the  look  out  to  prevent  succor  to  the  garrison,  and  yet  the  duty  was 
tuocessfully  accomplished.  He  left  Albany  with  provisions  and  ammunition 
sufficient  to  till  several  Schenectady  boats — I  think  seven — and  yet  conducted 
his  charge  with  such  prudence  and  foresight,  that  notwithstanding  the  vigi- 
lance of  Ponteae,  he  finally  and  after  long  watching  succeeded,  under  cover  of 
.a  dark  and  stormy  night,  in  throwing  into  the  fort  tho  supplies  of  wliich  the 
remnant  of  the  gallant  "  Black-watch,"  as  the  42d  was  originally  named,  and 
a  company  of  whom,  while  out  reconnoitering,  had  been  massacred  at  a  spot  in 
the  vicinity  of  the  to\vn,  thereafter  called  the  Bloody  Run,  stood  so  greatly  in 
need.    This  important  service  rendered,  Mr.  Erskine,  in  compliance  with  the 


INTRODUCTION. 


instructions  ho  hail  received,  rctin-ncd  to  Albany,  whoiv  he  rc'iwrtetl  the  success 
of  the  expedition. 

The  colonial  authorities  were  not  rcgardleHss  of  liis  interests.  When  the 
Ponteac  confi^dcracy  hnd  been  dissolved,  and  (juiet  ami  security  restored 
in  that  remote  region,  largo  tracts  of  land  were  granted  to  Mr.  Erskine, 
and  otiier  privilepes  accorded  which  eventually  gave  hini  the  oonmiand  of 
nearly  a  hnndre<l  thousand  <lollars — an  enormous  sum  to  Iiavo  luen  realised 
at  that  early  period  of  the  country.  Hut  it  was  not  dcsliiieil  that  he  should 
retain  tliis.  The  }i;rcnt  liulk  of  his  capital  was  (!.\]k  nded  ou  alinnst  the  first 
commercial  shipping  that  ever  skiuuned  the  surface  of  T.nlccs  Huron  and  Erie. 
Shortly  prior  to  the  Revolution,  he  was  possessed  of  suvoii  vessels  of  diil'ercnt 
tonnage,  and  the  trade  in  wliich  he  had  eniharked.  :iiid  of  which  ho  was  the 
head,  was  rapidly  increasing  his  already  large  fortune,  wiien  one  of  those  au- 
tumnal hurricanes,  which  even  to  tliis  day  continue  to  tiisolatc  the  waters  of 
the  treacherous  lake  last  named,  suddenly  arose  and  buried  beneath  its  en- 
gulfing waves  not  less  than  six  of  these  schooners  laden  with  such  riches, 
chiefly  furs,  of  the  West,  as  then  were  most  an  object  of  baiter.  Jlr.  Erskine, 
who  had  married  the  daughter  of  one  of  the  earliest  settlers  from  France, 
and  of  a  family  well  known  in  history,  a  lady  who  bad  been  in  Detroit  during 
the  siege  of  the  British  garrison  by  Ponteac,  now  abandoned  speculation,  and 
contenting  himself  with  the  remnant  of  his  fortune,  established  himself 
near  the  banks  of  the  river,  within  a  short  distance  of  the  IJloody  Hun.  Here 
he  continued  throughout  the  Revolution.  Karly,  however,  in  the  present 
century,  he  quitted  Detroit  and  repaire<l  to  the  Canadian  shore,  where  on  a 
property  neaily  opposite,  which  he  obtainetl  in  exchange,  and  wliich  in  honor 
of  his  native  country  he  named  Strabane — known  as  fuch  to  this  day — he 
passed  the  autumn  of  his  days.  The  last  time  I  beheld  him,  was  a  day  or 
two  subsequent  to  the  affair  of  the  Thames,  when  General  Harrison  and 
Colonel  Johnson  were  temporary  inmates  of  his  dwelling. 

My  father,  of  a  j-ounger  branch  of  the  Annandale  family,  the  head  of  which 
was  attainted  in  the  Scottish  rebellion  of  1745,  was  an  otficer  of  Simcoe's 
well-known  Rangers,  in  which  regiment,  and  about  the  same  period,  the 
present  Lord  Hardinge  commenced  his  services  in  tliis  country.  Being  quar- 
tered at  Fort  Erie,  he  met  and  married  at  the  house  of  one  of  the  earliest 
Canadian  merchants,  a  daughter  of  Mr.  Erskine,  then  on  a  visit  to  her  sister, 
and  by  her  had  eight  children,  of  whom  I  am  the  oldest  and  only  survivor. 
Having  a  few  years  after  his  marriage  been  ordered  to  St.  Joseph's,  near 
Michillimackinac,  my  father  thought  it  expedient  to  leave  mo  with  Mr.  Erskine 
at  Detroit,  where  I  received  the  first  rudiments  of  my  education.  But  here 
I  did  not  remain  long,  for  it  was  during  the  period  of  the  stay  of  the  detach- 
ment of  Simcoe's  lingers  at  St.  Joseph  that  Mr.  Erskine  repaired  with  his 
family  to  the  Canadian  shore,  where  on  the  more  elevated  and  conspicuous 
part  of  his  grounds  which  are  situiited  nearly  opposite  the  foot  of  Hog 
Island,  so  repeatedly  alluded  to  in  Wacousta,  ho  had  caused  a  flag-staff  to  be 
erected,  from  which  each  Sabbath  daj'^  proudly  floated  the  colors  under  which 
he  had  servwl  and  never  could  bring  himself  to  disown.    It  was  at  Strabane 


I  N'V  KOnrCTlON. 


/' 


A 


that  tlic  old  Iari\-,  w  itli  Nrhom  f  wan  u  (rroat  fiivoriti',  u«od  to  enchain  my 
younjj;  intcrost  In  tlttailin;;  varioii.N  fuels  comicttud  wilh  the  sicgo  she  m  woU 
roincniberiHl,  iiiid  iiifiisi-d  into  inc  ii  lon<;iii(i;  to  p,t-o\v  up  to  manhood  that  I 
inip;ht  write  ii  hook  ahovU  it.  Tlic  di'tiiils  ol  tht-  I'ontcac  plun  for  the  capture 
of  tlu)  two  forts  were  what  she  most  enlnrjjfd  upon,  and  ulthonnh  a  lonj;  lapse 
of  years  of  absence  from  the  scene,  and  tun  thousand  incidents  of  u  higher  and 
more  immediate  importam-e  might  have  heen  supiwsed  to  weukeix  the  recol- 
lections of  so  e4trlj'  a  period  of  life,  the  inipi-cssion  has  ever  vividly  remained. 
Hence  the  first  appearance  of  Wacousta  in  London  in  IH.'iJ,  more  than  a 
quarter  of  a  century  later.  The  Ktory  is  founded  solel}'  on  the  lutifice  of 
Ponteac  to  possess  hini.self  of  these  two  last  IJritish  forts.  All  else  is  ima- 
ghiury. 

It  is  not  a  little  curious  that  1,  only  a  fcwyeara  suhsequent  to  the  narration 
by  old  Mrs.  Erskinc  of  the  daring  and  cunning  feats  of  Ponteai",  and  liis  vain 
attempt  to  sccm-e  the  fort  of  Detroit,  should  myself  Imvo  entered  it  in  arms. 
But  it  was  so.  I  had  ever  hated  school  with  a  most  bitter  hatred,  and  I 
gladly  availed  myself  of  an  oiler  from  (JoncraJ  Brock  to  obtain  for  me  a  com- 
mission in  the  king's  service.  Meanwhile  1  did  duty  as  a  cadet  with  the  gal- 
lant 41st  regiment,  to  wlioni  the  I'jnglish  edition  of  Wacousta  was  inscribed, 
and  was  one  of  the  ^uard  of  honor  who  took  possession  of  the  fort.  The 
duty  of  u  sentinel  over  the  JJritish  colors,  which  had  just  been  hoisted,  was 
assigned  to  me,  and  J  certainly  felt  not  a  little  proud  of  the  distinction. 

Five  times,  within  half  a  century,  had  the  flag  of  that  fortress  been  changed. 
First  the  lily  of  France,  tlien  tho  rc<l  cross  of  l<]ngland,  and  next  the  strij)es  and 
stars  of  America  had  floated  over  its  rampiuts  ;  and  then  again  tlio  re<l  oross, 
and  lastly  the  stars.  On  my  i-eturn  to  this  country  a  few  years  since,  I  visited 
those  scenes  of  stirring  excitement  in  which  my  boyhood  had  been  passed, 
but  I  looked  in  vain  for  the  ancient  fortillcations  which  had  given  a  classical 
interest  to  that  region.  Tho  unsparing  han<i  ol'  utilitarianism  had  passed 
over  them,  destroying  almost  every  vestige  of  the  past.  Where  hatl  risen  the 
only  fortress  in  America  at  all  worthy  to  give  antiquity  to  the  scene,  streets 
had  been  laid  out  and  made,  and  houses  had  been  built,  leaving  not  a  trace 
of  its  existence,  save  the  well  that  formerlj'  supplied  the  closely  besieged  gar- 
rison with  water ;  and  this,  half  imbedded  in  the  herbage  of  an  enclosure  of  a 
dwelling  house  of  mean  appearance,  was  rather  to  be  guessed  at  than  seen ; 
while  at  the  opposite  extremity  of  the  city,  where  had  been  conspicuous  for 
years  the  Bloody  Run,  cultivation  and  improvement  had  nearly  obliterated 
fjvery  trace  of  the  past. 

Two  objections  have  been  urged  against  Wacousta  as  a  consistent  talc — the 
one  as  involving  an  improbability,  the  other  a  geographical  error.  It  lias  been 
assumctl  that  the  startling  feat  accomplished  by  that  man  of  deep  revenge, 
who  is  not  alone  in  his  bitter  hatred  and  contempt  for  the  base  among  those 
who,  like  spaniels,  crawl  and  kiss  the  dust  at  the  instigation  of  their  su- 
periors, and  yet  arrogate  to  themselves  a  claim  to  be  considered  gentlemen 
and  men  of  honor  and  independence — it  has,  I  repeat,  been  assumed  that  the 
feat  attributed  to  him,  in  connexion  with  the  flag-staff  of  the  fort,  was  im- 


INTRODUCTION. 


possible.  No  onu  whn  Iias  ovfr  socn  tiiose  uroctiotut  on  the  snuJl  forts  of  that 
dsj,  woald  pronounce  tho  siiuu*  ciiticiHiii.  Nuvor  very  lofty,  they  were 
uoended  at  least  onu-lliinl  of  tliuir  huifi;ht  by  inoimH  of  fimall  projections  nailed 
to  them,  for  footholds  For  thtt  Hrtilleryinnn,  fraquently  comixHed  to  dear  the 
flag  lines  cntangjled  at  llio  triiek ;  therefore)  a  strong  and  active  man,  such  as 
Waoousta  is  dcstiribcttl  t')  Imvo  bi>on.  might  very  well  have  boon  supposed,  in 
^is  Htron;;  anxiety  for  n-ven<;e  iind  uhcuims  with  his  victim,  to  ttave  doubled 
ais  strength  and  activily  on  so  important  an  oc<;asion,  rendering  that  easy  of 
attainment  by  hiiusolf,  whicit  an  ordinary  and  unexcited  man  might  deem 
impossible.  I  myself  have  knocked  down  a  gate  almost  without  feeling  the 
refflstance,  in  order  to  escape  tlie  stilettoes  of  as/jassins. 

Tho  second  objection  is  to  tho  narrowness  attributwl,  in  tho  tale,  to  tho  river 
St.  Clair.  This  was  done  in  the  license  usually  accorded  to  u  writer  of  Action, 
in  order  to  give  greater  eliect  to  the  scene  represented  as  having  occurred  there, 
and  of  course  in  no  way  intended  as  a  geographical  description  of  the  river, 
nor  wa.s  it  necessary.  In  the  s:imc  spirit  and  for  the  sumo  purpose,  it  has 
been  continued. 

It  will  bo  seen  that  at  tlie  termination  of  tho  tragedy  enacted  at  the  bridge, 
by  which  the  Bloody  llun  was  in  those  days  crossed,  that  the  wretched  wife 
of  the  condemned  soldier  pronounced  a  curse  that  could  not  of  course  well  Ix; 
fulfllled  in  the  Course  oC  the  tale.  Some  few  years  ago  I  published  in  Can- 
ada— I  might  as  well  liii  vo  done  so  in  Ivaintschatka — tiie  continuation,  whicli 
was  to  have  been  dedicated  to  the  last  King  of  England,  but  which,  after  the 
deatii  of  that  monarcli,  was  inscribed  to  Sir  John  Harvey,  \.rhoso  letter,  as 
making  honorable  ment  ion  of  a  gallant  and  beloved  brother,  I  feel  it  a  duty 
to  tho  memory  of  the  latter  to  subjoin.*  ""^-.v.^  >'   . 

Tho  Prophecy  Fui.nLLED,  which,  however,  has  never  been  seen  out  of  the 
small  country  in  wliicli  it  appeare<l,  Detroit  perhaps  alone  excepted,  embraces 
and  indeed  is  intiniatily  connected  with  the  Beauchamp  tragedy,  which  took 


^•iH^rv 


♦"GovEHNMENT  lIousB,  FBBDEnicTON,  N.  B.,  Novtmbtr  26<A,  1839. 

"  Dkab  Sib, — I  am  fiivorod  with  your  very  iuterosting  communication  of  the  2d  in- 
stant, by  which  I  loiirn  tliat  you  iiro  tho  brotlier  of  two  youtha,  wlioiio  gallantry  and 
merita — ond  with  roganl  to  ono  of  them,  hia  sufforinga — during  tho  lato  war,  excited  my 
warmest  admiration  and  sympatliy ;  I  bog  you  to  boliovo  that  I  am  fur  from  insensible  to 
the  affecting  proofs  whioli  you  have  made  Itnown  to  mo  of  this  grateful  recollection  of  anj 
little  service  which  I  may  have  hnd  it  in  my  power  to  render  them ;  and  I  will  add  that 
the  desire  which  I  felt  to  scjrvo  tho  fiitlior,  will  ho  found  to  oxtond  itnolf  to  the  son,  if  your 
nephew  should  over  find  himself  under  circumstaneos  to  require  from  me  any  service  which 
it  may  be  within  my  power  to  render  liim. 

"  With  regard  to  yniir  very  flattering  proposition  Ui  inscrilio  your  present  work  to  mo. 
I  can  only  say  that,  iudopi:ident  of  tho  re.ipoct  to  whieli  the  uutiior  of  .so  very  charming u 
production  as  "  Wacousta"  i.s  ontitleil,  tho  interesting  facts  and  circumptancos  so  unexpect- 
edly brought  to  my  knowledge  and  recollection,  would  ensure  a  ready  acquicitcenco  on  wy 
part. 

"  I  remain,  dear  Sir,  your  very  faithful  servant, 

(Signed)  "J.  Habvit. 

"  M%jor  RicHABDsoN,  Montreal." 


' 


VIII 


INTRODUCTION. 


{iloco  at  or  iioiir  Wcihigcr's  Hotel,  in  Frankrort,  Kentucky,  whoro  I  had  been 
many  years  lufoiv  coiilliicd  as  u  prisoner  of  war.  While  connecting  it  with 
the  Proi'iikcy  Ki'lpii.led,  and  luakinti;  it  Kubservient  to  the  end  I  had  in 
view,  T  had  not  rvad,  or  cvi-n  hcurd  of  the  existence  of  a  work  of  the  8ame 
chara(.'lcr,  which  had  already  ap|)e.ircil  from  the  \n>n  of  an  American  author. 
Indeed,  1  have  reason  to  believe  that  the  ''  Prophecy  Fulfilled,"  although  not 
published  inUil  at'tor  a  lapse  of  yetirH,  was  the  tlrst  written.  No  Himilarity 
of  treatment  of  the  subject  exists  between  the  two  versions,  and  this,  be  it 
remembered,  I  remark  without  in  this  slightest  degree  impugning  the  merit  of. 
the  production  of  my  fellow  laborer  in  the  same  field. 

Tbb  Author. 

JJew  York  City, 
January  M,  1851. 


w." 


'^. 


^--* 


ith 
in 
mo 
or. 
lot 
ity 
nt 
of 


WACOUSTA;  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


(IIIAPTEU  I. 

It  whs  (luring  the  ini(lni|z;lit  watch,  hitu  in  Soptcmber,  17(13.  that  the 
Kiifrlish  KaniNou  of  Dutroit  wuh  thrown  into  tiio  utiaoHt  oonHternution  by 
the  siidili'ii  iind  inyHtirioiiM  intrcMhuainn  of  n  stranser  witiiin  its  .viiIIh.  The 
circum.>«tiui«'  at  this  nioinoiit  was  jmrticularly  ri'Uiarkable ;  for  tlio  })criod 
was  so  fearful  ai.<l  pri'^cnant  witli  events  of  (lanp:cr.  tho  tort  beinj;  aKsailcd 
on  every  side  h\  ii  poworli;!  und  vindi(!tivo  foe,  that  a  eaution  aiul  vigilanco 
of  no  connnon  kiml  weie  nnceaslntjly  exomsed  }>y  tiio  prudent  )j:«vernor  for 
tiie  Katety  of  those  eoiiunilted  to  liis  eharf2;e.  A  lonp;  series  of  hostilities  had 
been  jjiusned  i)y  the  North  American  Indians  against  the  sul)jects  of  Eng- 
land, within  the  few  years  tliat  had  succeeded  to  the  llnal  subjection  of  the 
Oanadas  to  lier  victorious  arms:  and  many  and  .sanguinary  were  tl»o  con- 
llicts  ill  which  the  devoted  soldiery  were  made  to  succumb  to  the  cunnin);' 
and  nundiers  of  their  savii^fo  enemies.  In  tliose  lone  regions,  both  officers  and 
men,  in  their  respective  ranks,  were,  by  a  cominunionsliip  of  sulferinfr.  isolation, 
and  peculiarity  of  duty,  rlruwn  towards  each  other  with  leelin^is  of  almost 
fraternal  uti'eclion :  and  the  fates  of  those  who  fell  were  lamented  with  sin- 
cerity of  soiil.  an<l  avenjred,  when  o|iprirtuiiity  offered,  with  a  determination 
prompted  eciually  by  indi{;nation  and  des|mir.  This  sentiment  of  union,  ex- 
istinjj  even  between  men  and  ollicers  of  dillerent  corps,  was,  with  )ccasionnl 
exceptions,  of  course  duublj-  strengthened  amonjf  those  who  fought  under 
the  same  colors,  and  ai^knowledged  the  same  head ;  and,  as  it  often  hap- 
pened in  t!anmla,  din-iu};'  this  interestinp  peiiod,  that  a  single  rep;'"i;  cnt  was 
distributed  into  two  or  three  fortresses,  eacii  so  far  removed  from  tlie  other 
that  communication  could  with  the  utmost  facility-  ))o  cut  oH',  the  anxiety  and 
uncertainty  of  these  detachments  became  jtroportiojied  to  tlio  dan};er  with 
which  the}'  knew  tlicmselves  to  be  nufre  immediately  beset.  'J'lio  garrison 
of  Detroit,  at  the  date  abovo  named,  consisted  of  a  third  of  the regi- 
ment, the  remainder  of  which  occupied  the  forts  of  ^Iichilliniackina<;  and 
Niagara,  and  to  each  division  of  tliis  regiment  \vas  attached  an  ollicer's  ccm- 
man<l  of  artillery.  It  is  true  that  no  inunediate  overt  act  of  liostility  had 
for  some  time  been  perpetrated  by  the  Indians,  who  were  assembled  in  force 
arounil  the  former  garrison ;  but  the  experienced  officer  to  whom  the  com- 
mand had  been  intrusted  was  too  sensible  of  the  craftiness  of  the  surround- 
ing hordes  to  be  deceived,  by  any  outward  semblance  of  amity,  into  neglect 
of  those  measures  of  precaution  which  were  so  indispensable  to  the  .security 
of  his  trust. 

In  this  he  pm'sucd  a  line  of  policy  liappily  adaptetl  to  the  dehcato  nature 
of  his  position.  Unwilling  to  excite  the  anger  or  wound  the  pride  of  the 
chiefs,  by  any  outward  manifestation  of  distrust,  he  affected  to  confide  in 
the  sincerity  of  their  professions,  and,  by  inducing  liis  officers  to  mix  occa- 
sionally in  their  councils,  and  hi.s  men  in  the  anmsements  of  the  inferior 
warriors,  contrived  to  impress  the  conviction  that  he  reposed  altogether  on 
their  faitii.  Hut,  although  these  acts  were  in  some  degree  coerced  by  the 
necessity  of  the  times,  and  a  perfect  knowledge  of  all  the  misery  that  must 
accrue  to  them  in  the  event  of  their  provoking  the  Indians  into  acts  of  open 
hostility,  the  prudent  governor  took  such  precautions  as  were  deemed  efDcient 
to  defeat  any  treacherous  attempt  at  violation  of  the  tacit  treat}'  on  the  part 


10 


wacousta;    or,    tiii;    prophecy 


of  tlia  natives.  The  ollicers  never  ventured  out,  unless  escorted  by  a  portion 
of  tlieii  men,  who,  although  i  jipearin;;  to  l>e  disperse*!  amonj;  the  warriors, 
still  kept  Kufticiontly  togotlier  to  Ikj  enabled,  in  a  moment  of  emei-gency,  to  af- 
ford sacf;or,  not  only  to  each  other,  but  to  their  superiors.  On  these  occa- 
sions, as  a  further  security  against  surprise,  the  troops  left  within  were  in- 
structed to  be  in  readiness,  ut  a  moment's  warning,  to  render  assistance,  if 
nec.jsar}',  to  their  companions,  who  seldoi;/.,  on  any  occasion,  ventured  out 
of  rea(;h  of  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  the  gate  of  which  wius  hermetically 
closed,  while  numerous  supernumerary  sentinels  were  poste<l  along  the 
ramparts,  with  a  view  to  gi\e  the  alarm  if  anything  extraordinary  was  ob- 
served to  occur  without. 

PainfiU  and  harassiiij^  as  were  the  precautions  it  was  found  necessary  to 
adopt  on.  these  occasions,  and  little  desirous  as  were  the  garrison  to  mingle 
With  the  nativ(!s  on  such  terms,  still  the  plan  was  pui'sued  by  the  governor 
/rem  the  policy  already  named ;  nay,  it  was  absolutely  essential  to  the  future 
interests  of  England  that  the  Indians  should  be  won  over  by  acts  of  confidence 
and  kindness ;  and  so  little  disposition  had  hitherto  been  manifested  by  the 
English  to  conciliate,  thiii  cverv  thing  was  to  be  apprehended  from  the  \m- 
tameab'.e  •^incor  with  which  these  people  were  but  too  well  disposed  to  repay 
a  neglect  at  once  galling  to  their  pride  and  injurious  to  their  interests. 

Such,  for  a  term  of  many  months,  had  been  the  trying  and  painful  duty 
that  had  devolved  on  the  governor  of  Detroit ;  when,  in  the  summer  of  IKVd, 
the  whole  of  the  western  tribes  of  Indians,  as  if  actuated  by  one  common  im- 
pulse, suddenly  threw  off  tlie  mask,  lind  connnenced  a  series  of  thu  most 
savage  trespasses  upon  the  English  settlers  in  the  vicinity  of  the  several  gar- 
risons, who  were  cut  ott'  in  iletnil,  without  mercy,  and  ivithout  reflrence  to 
either  age  or  sex.  ( »n  the  first  alarm  the  weak  bodies  of  troops,  as  a  last 
measure  of  security,  shut  themselves  uj)  in  tht'ir  respective  forts,  where  they 
were  as  incapable  of  rendering  assistance  to  others  as  of  retieiviug  it  fhem- 
selve,';.  in  this  emergency  the  iirudence  and  forethought  of  the  governor  of 
Detroit  were  eminently  conspicuous  ;  for,  having  long  foreseen  the  po  ;sibility 
of  such  a  crisis,  he  had  caused  a  plentiful  supply  of  all  that  was  necessary  to 
the  subsistence  and  defence  of  the  gar  ison  to  be  provided  at  an  earlier  i)eriod, 
so  that,  if  foiled  in  their  attempts  at  stratagem,  there  was  little  chance  that 
the  Indiatis  would  speedily  reduce  them  by  famine.  To  guard  against  the 
former,  a  vi;|ilant  watth  was  constantly  kept  by  the  guirison  both  day  and 
night,  while  the  sentinels,  doubled  in  number,  were  constantly  on  tlie  alert. 
Strict  attention,  moreover,  was  pnid  to  siich  parts  of  the  raniparts  as  wei-e 
considei-ed  most  assailable  by  a  cunning  and  midnight  enemy  ;  and,  in  order 
to  pi^'vent  any  imjirudence  on  the  part  of  the  garrison,  all  eoress  or  ingress 
was  prohibited  that  had  not  the  immediate  sanction  of  the  chief.  AVith  this 
view  the  keys  of  the  gate  were  give.i  in  tnist  to  the  officer  of  the  guard ;  to 
whom,  however,  it  was  interdicted  to  use  them  unless  by  direct  and  Dositive 
order  of  the  governor.  In  addition  tc  this  precaution,  the  sentinels  on  duty 
at  the  gate  had  strict  private  instructions  not  to  sufi'er  any  one  to  pass  cither 
in  0"  out  luiless  <  ondueted  by  the  governor  in  person :  and  this  restriction 
extended  even  to  the  officer  of  the  guard. 

Sucli  being  the  auitious  discipline  established  in  the  fort,  the  api)earancc  of 
a  stranger  within  the  walls  at  the  still  hoin-  of  midnight  could  not  fail  to  bo 
regarded  as  an  exlraordinary  event,  and  to  excite  an  aiipreluiision  whicii  could 
scarcely  ha^o  lu'cn  sin-passed  had  a  numerous  and  armed  band  of  sa' ages  sud- 
denly i'-.ppeavcd  among  them.  TIk'  lirst  intimation  of  this  fact  was  given  by 
the  violent  ringing  of  an  alarm  beil ;  a  rojK'  communicating  with  wiiich  was 
siLspended  in  the  governor's  apartments,  f')'-  the  ])urj)0se  of  aixnising  ilie  slum- 
bering soldiers  in  any  case  of  |)res?;ing  euRVgenry  Soon  afterwiivds  the 
governor  himself  was'  seen  to  isMie  from  his  rooms  in  tlie  open  area  of  the 
parade,  clad  ir.  '>'.s  drtrsing-gown,  and  bearing  a  lamp  in  one  hand  and  a  na- 
ked sword  in  the  oihvv.    His  eouulenan«.-e  was  piilc,  an'!  lii-^  foalures.  violently 


\V  A  C  0  IJ  S  T  A  ;      OR,     THE     P  R  O  P  H  K  C  Y  , 


11 


agitated,  bctrnyod  .i  souirc  of  alurni  which  those  who  were  famihar  with  his 
usual  li.flujriitinoss  of  mnnntr  were  ill  able  to  oornprehond. 

"Whic!'  w.'v  dill  he  ro? — why  stand  yo  hore  / — tbllow — pursue  him 
rpiickly — lot  him  not  e.^crtpe,  on  your  lives  !"  'Ihese  sentences,  Imrriodly  and 
iiiilijitiently  litttro?!,  Hvro  iuldivssed  (o  tlie  two  sentinels  who,  stationed  in 
front  of  his  apartments,  had.  mx  the  first  sound  of  alann  from  the  portentous 
bell,  lawcred  their  nnisktls  to  the  (.•hari:;e.  and  now  stood  immovable  \i  that 
position. 

"Who  does  .your  honor  mane?"  replied  oul*  of  the  nifn,  sturtled,  yet 
brinprinp;  his  arms  to  the  •'  Heeover."  in  .salutation  of  liis  oliiof. 

'•  Why,  the  man — the  stranijc'i — the  felktw  Avho  has  just   passed  you." 

'■  Not  a  living'  soul  nas  paw.ed  us  since  our  wateh  cojunienccf^l,  your  honor," 
ob';e!\ ed  the  second  sentinel ;  " and  we  have  no\\'  bueu  here  upwaj-ds  of  an 
hour." 

"  Impossible,  .sirs :  ye  have  been  asleep  on  your  posts,  or  ye  must  have 
seen  him.  lie  j)assed  this  way.  and  could  not  have  eseajied  your  observation 
had  ye  been  attentive  to  your  duty." 

"Well,  sure,  and  your  honor  knows  bist,"  rejoined  the  first  sentinel ;  ''but 
so  hilp  nie  St.  Patrick,  as  I  have  sirved  nian  and  bov  in  your  honor's  riigi- 
racnt  this  twelve  years,  not  even  the  fitch  of  a  man  lias  passed  me  this 
blissed  u'^ht.  And  here's  ny  comrade,  .lack  Ilalford.  who  will  take  his 
({ible  oath  to  t'.ie  s.nne.  with  all  <lue  difirince  to  your  honor."  The  pithy 
re])ly  to  this  elor[Ucnt  attempt  at  exculpation  was  a  brief  ••Silence,  sirrah, 
walk  about !" 

The  men  brought  their  nniskets  once  more,  und  in  silence,  to  the  shoulder, 
and  in  obedience  to  the  command  of  thi-ir  chief  resumed  their  limited  walk ; 
crossing  each  other  at  i-ejtular  intervals  in  the  course  that  enfiladed,  as  it  wore, 
the  only-  entrance  to  the  governor's  apartments. 

Meanwhile  everything  was  bustle  and  unotion  among  the  garrison, 
who.  roused  from  sleep  by  the  appnlling  soiuirl  of  the  alsirm  bell  at  that  lato 
hour,  were  hastily  -.rming.  Throughout  the  obscurity  might  bo  seen  the 
flitting  forms  of  men,  whoso  already  fully  accouti'wl  persons  proclaimed  them 
to  b((  of  the  guard  ;  while  in  the  lofty  barracks,  numerous  lights  flashing  to 
and  fro,  and  moving  with  rapidity,  attested  the  alacrity  with  which  the  troops 
off  duty  were  ef^uipping  for  son.e  service  of  more  than  ordinary  interest.  So 
noiseless,  too,  was  this  preparation,  as  far  as  speech  was  concerned,  that  the 
occasional  ojieuing  and  shutting  of  pans,  and  ringing  of  ramrods  to  ascertain 
the  etiiciency  of  the  mu.skets.  luight  be  he'\rd  distinctly  in  the  stillness  of  th»* 
night  at  a  distance  of  many  ftirlongs. 

He  however,  who  had  touched  the  secret  spring  of  all  this  picturesque 
movement,  whatever  might  be  his  gratification  and  approval  of  the  prompti- 
tude with  which  the  summons  to  arms  had  been  answered  by  his  bravo  troops, 
was  i'av  from  being  wholly  satisfietl  with  the  scene  he  had  conjured  up.  Re- 
covered from  the  first  and  irrepressil)le  agitation  which  had  driven  hira  to 
sound  the  tocsin  of  alarm,  he  felt  how  derogatory  to  his  military  dignity  and 
proverbial  coolness  of  character  it  might  be  considered,  to  have  awakened  a 
v.hole  gnrrisou  from  their  slumbers,  when  a  f; w  files  of  the  guard  \t ould 
have  answered  his  purpose  equally  well.  Resides,  so  much  time  had  been 
s'dfered  to  elapse,  that  the  stranger  might  have  escaped  ;  and  if  .so.  how  many 
migb.t  be  disposed  to  ridicule  his  alarm,  iiud  con  :i,ler  it  as  (jmanatiug  from  an 
imagination  disturbed  by  .sleep,  ratbi-r  thtni  causi'd  by  fli  {ictual  presisnco  of 
one  eu  lo\ved  like  ihemselves  with  the  fjxulti.  >  oT  .'•penv.  ;>ii')  mot'oii.  For  a 
moment  !\e  he-iituieil  whether  he  should  not  counterniau  !  tlie  su;nm<ins  to 
wli.ili   bad   been  so  pre"i|v.tat(  iy  eive-.i ;  but  v.-icn   he  reeodected  the 


arms 


harrowing  threat  *!ial  Iiad  been  brev.tlu'd  in  his  ear  by  hi,-  lai, 'night  visiter, — 
when  lie  ivll.\':.i 
within  the  j^iv; 


moreover,  tliateviu  now  it  \i-as  probable  he  was  iurking 


I'ts  of 


fort  with  a  vio'.\'  to  the 


iU:t\ 


)';i<:t:on  of  all  liiat  it 


cont.i'ni':]. — win'ii.  in  .-^hort.  lu'   •ao!!i-,b,   of  !a'-  ininiinoiU.  da;r.r'.T  that  must 


12 


W  A  C  O  U  3  T  A ;      OR,     T  H  K      PROPHECY 


atteiul  them  should  he  be  sullercd  to  escape, — he  felt  the  necessity  of  precau- 
tion, and  dtterinined  on  his  nieasiires,  even  at  the  risk  of  manifesting  a  pru- 
dence which  might  be  construed  inifavorahly.  On  re-enterin}>;  his  apartments, 
he  found  his  orderly,  who,  roused  by  the  midnight  tumult,  stood  waiting  to 
receive  the  commands  of  his  chief. 

"  Desire  Major  Blackwater  to  come  to  me  immediately."  The  mandate  was 
(luickly  obeyetl.  In  a  few  seconds  a  short,  tliick-set  and  elderly  oftlcer  msule 
Jiis  appear.ince  in  a  gi'ay  military  undress  frock. 

"  Jilackwater,  we  have  traitors  within  the  fort.  liCt  diligent  search  bo 
made  in  every  part  of  the  barracks  for  a  stranger,  an  en"njy,  who  has  man- 
aged to  procure  admittance  among  us :  let  every  nook  and  ctiiiuiy,  every 
empty  cask,  be  examined  forthwith  ;  and  cause  a  number  of  additional  senti- 
nels to  be  stationed  along  the  ramparts,  in  order  to  intercept  his  escaix.'." 

"  (lOod  heaven,  is  it  possible  ?"  said  the  major,  wping  the  persi)iration  from 
his  brows,  though  the  night  was  unusually  chilly  for  the  season  of  the  year : — 
"  how  could  he  cont"ive  to  entei'  a,  p.^ce  so  vigilantly  guarded  V" 

"  Ask  me  not  how,  Blackwater."  returned  the  governor,  seriously  ;  '•  let  it 
.suflice  that  he  has  been  in  this  very  room,  and'that  ten  minutes  since  he  stood 
where  you  now  stand." 

The  major  looked  aghast. — '•  God  bless  inc.  how  singular  !  Tb)w  could  the 
savage  contrive  to  obtain  admission  ?  or  was  he  in  reality  an  Indian  ?"  "  No 
more  (jucstions.  Major  Blackwater.  Hasten  to  distribute  the  men,  and  let 
diligent  search  be;  made  everywhere ;  and  recollect,  neither  otticer  nor  man 
courts  his  pillow  until  dawn." 

The  ••  major"  emphatically  prefixed  to  his  name  was  a  sufficient  hint  to  the 
stout  ollicer  thai  the  doubts  thus  familiarly  expressed  were  here  to  cease,  and 
that  he  was  now  addressed  in  the  language  of  authority  })y  his  superior,  who 
expected  a  direct  and  prompt  compliance  with  his  orders,  lie  therefore 
shghtly  touched  his  hat  in  salutatic.n,  and  withdrew  to  make  tlie  dispositions 
that  had  been  enjoined  b\'  his  colonel. 

On  regaining  the  parade,  he  caused  the  men,  already  forming  into  compa- 
nies, and  answering  to  the  roll-call  of  their  respective  non-commissioned 
officers,  to  be  wheeled  into  square,  and  then  in  a  low  but  distinct  voice  stated 
the  cause  of  alarm ;  and,  having  communicated  the  orders  of  the  governor, 
finished  by  recommending  to  each  the  exercise  of  the  most  scrutinising  vigi- 
lance ;  as  on  the  discovery  of  the  individual  in  question,  and  the  means  bj' 
which  he  had  contrived  to  procure  admission,  the  safety  of  the  whole  garrison, 
it  wa,s  evident,  must  depend. 

The  soldiers  now  dispersed  hi  small  parties  throughout  the  iiitericn-  of  the 
fort,  while  a  select  body  were  conducted  to  the  ramparts  by  the  officers  them- 
selves, and  distributed  between  the  sentinels  already  posted  tlieie,  in  such 
numbers,  and  at  such  distances,  that  it  appeared  impossible  any  thing  wearing 
the  human  form  could  jiass  them  unperceived,  even  in  the  obscurity  that 
reigned  around. 

When  this  dutj'  was  accomplished,  the  officers  jiroceedcd  to  the  posts  of 
the  sevei-al  sentinels  who  had  been  i)lanted  since  the  last  relief,  to  ascertain 
if  any  or  either  of  them  had  observed  aught  to  justify  the  belief  that  an  ene- 
my liad  succeeded  in  scaling  the  worl<s.  To  all  their  inquiries,  however,  they 
received  a  negative  reply,  accompanied  l)y  a  declaration,  more  or  less  positive 
with  each,  that  such  lia'd  been  their  vigilance  during  the  watch,  had  any  per- 
son come  within  t'  .'ir  beat,  detection  iniist  have  been  inevitable.  The  first 
question  was  put  l  )  the  sentinel  stationed  at  tiie  gate  of  the  fort,  at  which 
jioint  ihe  whole  of  vhe  officers  of  thf  garrison  were,  with  one  or  two  excep- 
tions, now  assembled.  The  man  at  first  evinced  a  good  deal  of  confusion  ; 
but  this  might  arise  from  the  singular  fact  of  the  alarm  thi'.t  had  lieen  given, 
and  the  equally  singular  circumstance  of  his  being  thus  closely  interrogated 
by  the  coUei-tive  body  of  his  officers  :  he.  however,  persisted  in  declaring  that 
he  had  been  in  no  wise  inattentive  to  liis  dulv.  and  that  no  cause  for  alarm  or 


wacovsta;  or,  the  brophecv, 


13 


-P- 


suspicion  hiid  occuiTcd  near  his  post.  Tlie  officers  then,  in  order  to  save  time, 
sepuratod  into  two  parties,  pursuing  opposite  circuits,  and  arranging  to  meet 
at  that  point  of  the  ramparts  which  was  immediately  in  the  '•car,  and  over- 
looking the  centre  of  the  semicircular  sweep  of  wild  forest  which  circumvented 
the  fort. 

"  Wellj  Blessington.  I  know  not  what  you  tliink  of  this  sort  of  work,"  ob- 
served Sir  Everard  Valletort,  a  young  lieutenant  of  the regiment,  re- 
cently arrivetl  from  England,  and  o^"  the  party  who  now  traversed  the  ram- 
part to  the  right ;  "  but  confound  me  if  I  would  not  rather  be  a  barber's 
apprentice  in  London,  upon  nothing,  and  find  myself,  than  continue  a  life  of 
this  kind  much  longer.  It  positively  quite  knocks  mp  up ;  for  what  with 
early  risings,  and  Avutchings — L  had  almost  added  prayings — I  am  but  the 
shadow  of  my  former  self." 

"  Ilibt,  Viillctort,  hist !  speak  lower,"  said  Captain  Blessington,  the  seuior 
officer  present,  "  or  our  st<arch  must  be  in  vain.  Poor  fellow !"  he  pursued, 
laughing  low  and  good  humorcdly  at  the  picture  of  miseries  thus  solemnly 
enumerated  by  his  subaltern ; — "  how  much,  in  truth,  are  you  to  be  pitied, 
who  have  so  recently  basked  in  all  the  sunsiiine  of  enjoyment  at  home.  For 
our  parts,  we  have  lived  so  long  amid  these  savage  scenes,  that  we  have  al- 
most forgotten  what  luxury,  or  ieven  comfort,  means.  Doubt  not,  my  friend, 
that  in  time  j-ou  will,  like  us,  be  reconciled  to  the  change." 

"  Confound  me  for  an  idiot,  then,  if  1  give  myself  time,"  replied  Sir  Everard, 
affectedly.  "  It  was  only  five  minutes  before  that  cursed  alarm  bell  was 
sounded  in  my  ears,  that  I  had  made  up  my  mind  fully  to  resign  or  exchange 
the  instant  I  could  do  so  with  credit  to  myself ;  andj  I  am  sure,  to  be  called  out 
of  a  warm  bed  at  this  unseasonable  hour  offers  little  inducement  for  me  to 
change  my  opinion." 

"Resign  or  exchange  with  credit  to  yourself!"  sullenly  observed  a  stout 
tall  officer  of  about  fifty,  whose  spleen  might  well  be  accounted  for  in  his 
rank  of  "  Ensign"  Delme!  "  Mcthinks  there  can  be  little  credit  in  exchang- 
ing or  resigning,  when  one's  companions  are  left  behind,  and  in  a  post  of 
danger." 

"  By  Jasus,  and  ye  may  say  that  with  your  own  pritty  mouth,"  remar'ied 
another  veteran,  who  answered  to  the  name  of  Lieutenant  Murphy;  "for  it 
isn't  now,  while  we  are  surrounded  and  bcdiviled  by  the  savages,  that  any  man 
of  the regiment  should  be  after  talking  of  bating  a  retrate." 

"  I  scarcely  understand  you,  gentlemen,"  warmly  and  quickly  retorted  Sir 
Everard,  who,  with  all  his  dandy'.sm  and  effeminacy  of  manner,  was  of  a  high 
and  resolute  spirit.  "  Do  either  of  you  fancy  that  I  want  courage  to  face  a 
positive  danger,  because  I  may  not  happen  to  have  any  particular  ^nilgar  pre- 
dilection for  early  rising  ?" 

"Nonsense,  Valletort,  nonsense,"  interrupted,  in  accents  of  almost  feminine 
sweetness,  his  friend  Lieutenant  Charles  de  Haldimar,  the  youngest  son 
of  the  governor :  "  Murphy  is  an  eternal  echo  of  the  opinions  of  those  who 
look  forward  to  promotion  ;  and  as  for  Delme — do  you  not  see  the  drift  of  his 
observation  ?  Shoidd  you  retire,  as  you  have  threatened,  of  course  another 
lieutenant  will  be  a})pointed  in  your  stead ;  but,  should  you  chance  to  lose 
your  scalp  during  the  struggle  with  the  savages,  the  step  goes  in  the  regiment, 
and  he,  being  the  senior  ensign,  obtains  promotion  in  consequence." 

"  Ah  !"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  "  this  is  indeed  the  greatest  curse 
attached  to  the  profession  of  a  soldier.  Even  among  those  who  most  esteem, 
and  are  drawn  towards  each  other  as  well  by  fellowship  in  pleasure  as  com- 
panionship in  danger,  this  vile  and  debasing  principle — this  insatiable  desire 
for  personal  advancement — is  certain  to  intrude  itself;  since  we  feel  that  over 
the  mangled  bodies  of  our  dearest  friends  and  companions,  we  can  alone  hojx) 
to  attain  preferment  and  distinction. 

This  conversation,  interrupttid  only  by  occasional  questioning  of  the  sen- 
tinels whom  they  passed  in  their  circuit,  wa.i  carried  on  in  an  a'utible  whisper. 


14 


WACOU8T.A;  R,     THE      PROPHKCV 


which  the  close  appi-oxiination  of  the  parties  to  caeii  other,  aiul  tlie  profound 
BtiHness  of  the  night,  cniU>)e(l  tliem  to  hear  with  distinctness;. 

When  the  conversation  dropped,  the  party  pursued  their  course  in  Kilenee. 
They  had  just  pa8.«nd  tho  last  sentinel  posted  in  their  line  of  circuit,  and  were 
within  a  few  yai'ds  of  the  immediate  rear  of  the,  fortress,  when  a  sharp 
"Hist!"  and  sudden  halt  of  their  leader,  Captain  Blesshigton,  threw  them 
all  into  an  attitude  of  the  most  profound  attention. 

"  Did  you  hear  ?"  he  asked  in  a  subdued  whisper,  after  a  few  seconds  of 
silence,  in  which  he  hwl  vainly  sought  to  catch  a  repetition  of  the  sound. 

"  Assuredly,"  he  pursued,  finding  that  no  one  answered,  "  I  distinctly  heard 
a  human  groan."  "  Where  ? — in  what  direction  ?"  asked  Sir  Everard  and 
De  Haldimar  in  the  same  breath. 

"  Immediately  opposite  to  us  on  the  common.  But  sec,  here  are  tho  re- 
mainder of  the  party  stationary,  and  listening  also." 

They  now  stole  gentl}^  forward  a  few  paces,  rnd  Avere  soon  at  the  side  of 
their  companions,  all  of  whom  were  straining  their  necks  and  bending  their 
heads  in  the  attitude  of  men  listening  attentively." 

"  Have  j'ou  heard  anything,  Erskine  ?  askwl  Captain  Blessington  in  the 
flame  low  whisjMjr,  and  addressing  the  otHccr  who  ied  the  opjKisite  part}'. 

"  Not  a  sound  ourselves,  but  here  is  Sir  Everard's  black  servant,  Sambo, 
who  has  just  liveted  oui-  attention,  by  dctlaring  he  distinctly  hoard  a  groan 
towards  the  skirt  of  the  conmiou."  ••  He  is  right,"  hastily  rejoined  Blessing- 
ton  ;  '•  I  heard  it  also." 

Agiiiu  a  death-like  silence  ensued,  during  which  the  eyes  of  the  party  were 
Strained  eagerly  in  the  direction  of  the  common.  The  night  was  cloiiv  and 
starry,  yet  the  durk  sb.adow  of  the  bro!i.<l  belt  of  forest  tln-ew  iiil  thnt  part 
of  the  wa.ste  which  cuine  within  its  ininiofliate  riuigo  into  impenetrable  ob- 
scurity. 

"  Do  yon  see  anything  ?"  whispered  N'^alletort  to  his  friend,  who  stood  next 
him :  '•  look — look  !"  and  he  pointed  with  his  linger.  -  Nothing."  relm-ued 
De  Haldimar.  afiiT  un  anxious  g.i/.e  of  a  uiinnte.  "but  that  dilapidatwl  old 
bomb-prooi'." 

"See  you  not  something  dark,  and  slightly  moving,  iimuediately  in  a  line 
■with  the  left,  angle  of  the  bomb-proof  ?"  De  Haldimar  looked  again.  "I  do 
begin  to  fancy  I  ?oe  something."  he  replied  ;  "  but  so  confusedly  and  indis- 
tinctly, that  i  know  not  whether  it  be  not  merely  an  illusion  of  my  imagin- 
ation. Perhaps  it  is  a  stniy  Indian  dog  devouring  the  carcass  of  the  wolf 
you  shot  yesterdaj'." 

"Be  it  "dog  or  deAnl.  here  is  for  a  trial  of  his  vulnerability.  Sambo,  quick, 
my  rifle." 

"The  young  negro  handed  to  his  master  one  of  those,  lonp  heavy  rifles, 
which  the  Indians  usually  make  choice  of  for  killing  bufialo.  elk.  and  other 
animals  whose  wildnoss  i-entiers  them  diHicult  of  approach.  He  then,  unbid- 
den, and  as  if  tutored  to  the  task,  placed  himself  in  a  stiff  upright  position  in 
front  of  his  master,  with  every  nerve  aT\d  nuiscle  braced  to  the  most  inflex- 
ible steadiness.  The  young  officer  next  threw  the  rifle  on  the  right  shoulder 
of  the  boy  for  a  rest,  and  prepared  to  take  his  aim  on  the  object  that  had  first 
attracted  his  attention. 

"  Make  haste,  mas.sa. — him  go  directly. — Sambo  sec  him  gv't  u|)." 

All  was  brc.itldess  attention  among' the  group  of  officers  ;  and  when  the 
sliarp  ticking  «ound  produced  by  the  cocking  of  the  rifle  of  their  companion 
fell  on  their  ears,  they  bent  their  gaze  upon  the  point  towards  vyliich  the  mur- 
derous M-eaiK)n  was  levelled  with  the  most  aching  and  intense  interest. 

''  Quick,  (piick.  massa, — him  quite  uj>."  again  Avhispered  the  boy. 

The  woi-ds  had  scarcely  passed  his  lips,  when  the  crack  of  the  rifle,  followed 
by  a  bright  blane  of  light,  .sounded  throughout  the  stillness  of  the  night  with 
exciting  sharpness.  For  an  instant  all  was  hushed  ;  but  scarcely  had  the  dis- 
tant woods  ceased  to  reverberate  the  sp'vit-^tirring  echoes,  when  the  anxiou.s 


wtacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


16 


group  of  otHcers  were  Hurpriscd  and  Ktartled  by  a  sudden  flat  h.  the  report  of 
a  second  title  from  the  common,  and  the  whizzmg  of  a  huUcl  poflt  then-  earfi. 
This  WOH  inHtantly  Hucceeded  by  a  fieree,  wild,  and  prolonged  cry,  expresfiive 
at  once  of  triumph  and  revenge.  It  wan  that  peculiar  cry  Which  an  Indian 
ttttern  when  the  reeking  Hcalp  ban  been  wrc.<ited  from  his  murclerc<l  victim. 

"  MisAed  him,  as  I  am  a  sinner,"  exclaimed  Sir  Everard,  springing  to  his 
feet,  and  knocking  the  butt  of  his  rifle  on  the  ground  with  a  movement  of  im- 
patienoe.    '*  Sambo,  you  young  scoundrel,  it  was  all  your  fault, — you  moved 

Sur  shoulder  as  I  pnlled  the  trigger.    Thank  heaven,  however,  the  aim  of  the 
dian  appeal's  to  have  been  no  better,  although  the  sharp  whistling  of  his 
ball  prove.s  his  piece  to  have  been  well  levelled  for  a  random  shot." 

"  His  aim  has  been  too  true,"  faintly  pronounced  the  voice  of  one  somewhat 
in  the  rear  of  his  companions.  "  The  ball  of  the  villain  has  found  a  lodg- 
ment in  my  breast.  God  bless  ye  all,  mv  boys :  may  your  fates  be  more 
'  lucky  than  mine  !"  While  he  yet  spoke.  Lieutenant  Murphy  sank  into  the 
arms  of  Blessington  and  De  Haldimar,  who  had  flown  to  him  at  the  flrst  in- 
timation of  his  wound,  and  was  in  the  next  instant  a  corpse. 


CHAPTER  II. 


lUowed 
It  with 

llio  dis- 
Inxioiis 


"  To  your  companies,  gentlemen,  to  your  companies  on  the  instant.  There 
is  treason  in  the  fort,  and  we  had  need  of  all  our  diligence  and  caution.  Cap- 
tain Do  Haldimar  is  missing,  and  the  gate  has  been  found  unlocked.  Quick, 
gentlemen,  quick ;  even  now  the  savages  may  be  around  us,  though  unseen." 

"  Captain  Dc  Haldimar  missing ! — the  gate  unlocked  !"  exclaimed  a  number 
of  voices.  "  rmjwssiblc ! — surely  we  are  not  betrayed  •  by  our  own  men." 
"  The  sentinel  has  been  relieved,  and  is  now  in  irons,"  resumed  the  communi- 
cator of  thi>!  startling  piece  of  intelligence.  It  was  the  adjutant  of  the  regi- 
ment. 

"  Away,  gentlemen,  to  your  posts  immediately,"  said  Captain  Blessington, 
who,  aided  by  Do  Haldimar,  hastened  to  deposit  the  stiiTening  body  of  the 
unfortunate  Mnrjiliy,  which  they  still  supported,  upon  the  rampart.  Then 
addressing  the  iidjutant,  "  Mr.  I/awson,  lot  a  couple  of  files  be  sent  immedi- 
ately to  remove  the  body  of  their  officer." 

"  That  shot  which  I  heard  from  the  common,  as  I  approached,  was  not  fired 
at  random,  T  find."  observed  the  adjutant,  as  they  all  now  hastilj'  descended 
to  join  their  men,  "  Who  has  fallen  r'  "  Murphy,  of  the  grenadiers,"  was  the 
reply  of  one  near  him. 

"  Poor  fellow !  our  work  commences  badly,"  resumed  Mr.  Lawson : 
"  Murphy  killed,  and  Captain  De  Haldimar  missing.  We  had  few  officers 
enough  to  spare  before,  and  their  loss  will  be  severely  felt;  I  greatly  fear,  too, 
these  casualties  may  have  a  tendency  to  discourage  the  men." 

•'  Nothing  more  easy  than  to  .supply  their  place,  by  promoting  some  of  our 
oldest  sergeants,"  ol)ser\'od  Ensign  Delme,  who,  as  well  as  the  ill-fated  Mur- 
phy, had  risen  from  the  ranks.  "  If  they  behave  themselves  well,  the  king 
Avill  confirm  their  appointments." 

•'  But  my  ]Mor  brother,  what  of  him,  Lawson '?  what  have  you  learnt  con- 
nected witii  his  disapiK?arance  ?"  asked  Charles  de  Haldimar  with  deep  emo- 
tion. "  Nothing  satisfactory,  I  am  sorry  to  say,"  returned  the  adjutant :  "  in 
fact,  the  whole  affair  is  a  mystery  which  no  one  am  unravel ;  even  at  this  mo- 
ment the  sentinel,  Frank  Hallow.ay,  who  is  strongly  suspected  Of  being  privy 
to  his  disappearance,  is  undergoing  a  private  examination  by  your  father,  the 
governor." 

''  Frank  Hallow  ay  !"  repeated  the  youth  with  a  start  of  astonishment ; 


16 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophecy, 


"  siu-ely  II.'"loway  could  never  prove  a  traitor, — and  especially  to  my  brother, 
whoi>e  life  he  once  saved  at  the  peril  of  his  own." 

The  officers  had  now  gained  the  parade,  when  the  "  Fall  in,  gentlemen,  ihll 
in,"  quickly  pronounced  by  Mf^or  Blackwater,  prevented  all  further  question- 
ing on  the  part  of  the  vounger  De  Haldimar.  The  scene,  though  circum- 
Mcribed  in  limit,  was  pictui-esque  in  effect,  and  might  have  been  happily  illus- 
trated by  the  pencil  of  the  painter.  The  immediate  area  of  the  parade  was 
filled  with  armed  men,  distributed  into  three  divisions.  i\nd  forming,  with  their 
respective  ranks  facing  outwards,  as  many  sides  of  a  hollow  square,  the  mode 
of  defence  invariably  adopted  by  the  governor  in  all  cases  of  sudden  alarm. 

In  a  few  minutes  from  the  falling  in  of  the  officers  with  their  respective 
companies,  the  clank  of  irons  was  heard  in  the  direction  of  the  guard-room, 
and  several  forms  were  seen  slowly  advancing  into  the  area  already  occupied 
as  wo  have  described.  This  party  was  preceded  by  the  adjutant  Lawson,  who, 
advancing  towards  Major  Blackwater,  communicated  a  message,  that  was  fol- 
lowed by  tlu)  command  of  the  latter  officer  for  the  three  divisions  to  face  in- 
wards. The  officer  of  artillery  also  gave  the  word  to  his  men  to  form  lines 
of  single  files  immediately  in  the  rear  of  their  respective  guns,  leaving  space 
enough  for  the  entrance  of  the  approaching  party,  which  consisted  of  half  a 
dozen  files  of  the  guard,  imder  a  non-commissioned  officer,  and  one  whose 
manacled  limbs,  rather  than  his  unaccoutred  uniform,  attested  him  to  be  not 
merely  a  prisoner,  but  u  ))risoner  confined  for  some  serious  and  fiugrant  of- 
ffence. 

This  party  now  advanced  through  the  vacant  quarter  of  the  square,  and 
took  their  stations  immediately  in  the  centre.  Here  the  countenances  of  each, 
and  particularly  that  of  the  prisoner,  who  was,  if  we  may  so  term  it,  the  cen- 
tre of  that  centre,  were  thrown  into  strong  relief  by  the  bright  glare  of  the 
torches,  so  that  tlie  fcatiures  of  the  prisoner  stood  revealed  to  those  around  as 
plainly  as  if  it  had  been  noon  day.  Not  a  soimd,  not  a  murmur,  escaped  from 
the  ranks :  but,  though  the  etiquette  and  strict  laws  of  military  discipline 
chained  all  spcecL  the  workings  of  the  inward  mind  remained  unchecked ;  and 
as  they  recognised  in  the  prisoner  Frank  Halloway,  one  of  the  bravest  and 
boldest  in  the  field,  and  as  all  had  hitherto  imagined,  one  of  the  most  devoted 
to  his  duty,  an  irrepressible  thrill  of  amazement  and  dismay  crept  throughout 
the  frames,  and  for  a  moment  blanched  the  cheeks  of  those  especially  who  be- 
longed to  the  same  company.  On  being  summoned  from  their  fruitless  search 
liter  the  stranger,  to  fall  in  without  delay,  it  had  been  whispered  among  the 
men  that  treason  had  crept  into  the  fort,  and  a  traitor,  partly  detected  in  his 
crime,  had  been  arrested  and  thrown  into  irons:  but  the  idea  of  Frank  Hallo- 
way  being  that  traitor  was  the  last  that  could  have  entered  into  their  thoughts, 
And  yet  they  now  beheld  him  covered  with  every  mark  of  ignominy,  and  about 
to  answer  his  high  offence,  in  all  human  probability,  with  his  life. 

With  the  officers  the  reputation  of  Halloway  for  courage  and  fidelity  stood 
no  less  high ;  but,  while  they  secretly  lamented  the  circumstances  of  his  defal- 
cation, they  could  not  disguise  from  themselves  the  almost  certainty  of  his 
guilt,  for  each,  as  he  now  gazed  upon  the  prisoner,  recollected  the  conf\ision 
and  hesitation  of  manner  he  had  evinced  when  questioned  by  them  preparatory 
to  their  ascending  to  the  ramparts. 

Once  more  the  suspense  of  the  moment  wivs  interrupted  by  the  entrance  of 
other  forms  into  the  area.  They  were  those  of  the  adjutant,  followed  by  a 
drummer,  bearing  his  instrument,  and  the  governor's  orderly,  charged  with 
pens,  ink,  paper,  and  a  book  wliich,  from  its  peculiar  form  and  color,  every 
one  present  knew  to  be  a  copy  of  the  articles  of  war.  A  variety  of  contending 
emotions  passed  through  the  breasts  of  many,  as  they  witnessed  the  silent 
progress  of  these  preparations,  rendered  painfully  interesting  by  the  peculiarity 
of  their  position,  and  the  wildness  of  the  hour  at  which  they  thus  found  them- 
selves assembled  together.  The  prisoner  himself  was  unmoved :  he  stood 
proud,  calm,  and  fearle^ss,  amid  the  guard,  of  whom  he  had  so  i-eoently  formed 


\V    A  C  CI  D  S  T  A  ;      OK,      T  11  K      I'  K  I)  1'  H  E  C  V». 


1? 


nee  of 

by  a 

with 

I every 

Imling 

1  silent 

|iarity 

them- 

Utood 

Qnned 


one ;  and  thou^li  liis  couiiteiiiiuct'  was  pale,  ad  much,  perhaps,  from  a  sense  of 
the  ignominious  chiiracter  in  which  he  appeared  as  from  more  private  con- 
siderations, still  there  was  nothing  to  denote  either  the  abjectness  of  fear  or 
the  consciousness  of  merited  disgrace.  Once  or  twice  a  low  sobbing,  that  pro- 
ceeded at  intervals  from  one  of  the  barrack  windows,  caught  his  ear,  and  he 
turned  his  glance  in  that  direction  with  a  restless  anxiety,  ivliich  he  exerttd 
liimself  in  the  instant  afterwards  to  repress ;  but  this  was  the  only  mark  of 
emotion  he  betrayed. 

The  above  dispositions  having  been  hastily  made,  the  adjutant  and  his  as- 
sistants once  more  retired.  After  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  a  tall  martial-looking 
man,  habited  in  a  blue  military  frock,  and  of  handsome,  though  stern,  haughty, 
and  inflexible  features,  entered  the  area.  He  was  followed  by  Major  Black- 
water,  the  captain  of  artillery,  and  Adjutant  Lawson. 

"  Are  the  garrison  all  present,  Mr.  Lawson  1  are  the  officers  all  present  ?" 

"  All  except  those  of  the  guard,  sir,"  replied  the  adjutant,  touching  his  hat 
with  a  submission  that  was  scrupulously  exacted  on  all  occasions  of  duty  by 
his  superior. 

Tne  governor  passed  his  hand  for  a  moment  over  his  brows.  It  seemed  to 
those  around  him  as  if  the  mention  of  that  guard  had  called  uo  recollections 
which  gave  him  pain ;  and  it  might  be  so,  for  his  oldest  sr  n,  Cai)tain  Frederick 
de  Ualdimar,  had  commanded  the  guard.  Whither  ht  had  disappeared,  or  m 
what  manner,  no  one  knew. 

"  Arc  the  artillery  all  present.  Captain  Wentworth  ?"  again  demanded  the 
governor,  after  a  moment  of  silence,  and  in  his  wonted  firm  authoritative  voice. 

"  All  present,  sir,"  rejoined  the  officer,  following  the  example  of  the  adju- 
tant, and  s.iluting  his  chief 

"  Then  let  a  drum-head  court-martial  be  assembled  immediately,  Mr.  Law- 
son,  and  without  reference  to  tlie  raster  let  the  .senior  officers  be  selected." 

The  adjutant  went  round  to  the  respective  divisions,  and  in  a  low  voiee 
warned  Captain  Blessington,  and  the  four  senior  subalterns,  for  that  duty. 
One  by  one  the  officers,  as  they  were  severally  called  upon,  left  their  places 
in  the  square,  and  sheathing  their  swords,  stepped  into  that  part  of  the  area 
appointed  as  their  temporary  court.  They  were  now  all  assembled,  and  Cap- 
tain Blessington,  the  senior  of  his  rank  in  the  garrison,  was  preparing  to  ad- 
minister, the  customary  oaths,  when  the  prisoner  Halloway  advanced  a  pace 
or  two  in  front  of  his  escort,  and  removing  his  cap,  in  a  clear,  firm,  but  re- 
spectful voice,  thus  addressed  the  governor : — 

"  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  that  I  am  no  traitor,  as  I  have  already  told  you, 
the  Almighty  God,  before  whom  1  swore  allegiance  to  his  majesty,  can  bear 
me  witness.  Appearances,  I  own,  are  against  me :  but,  so  far  from  being  a 
traitor,  I  would  have  shed  my  last  drop  of  blood  in  defence  of  the  garrison  and 
your  family.  Colonel  de  Haldimar."  he  pursued,  after  a  momentary  pause,  in 
which  ho  seemed  to  be  struggling  to  subdue  the  emotion  which  rose,  despite 
of  himself,  to  his  throat,  "I  repeat,  I  am  no  traitor,  and  I  scorn  the  imputa- 
tion— but  here  is  my  best  answer  to  the  charge.  This  wound,  (and  he  un- 
buttoned his  jacket,  opened  his  shirt,  and  disclosed  a  deep  scar  upon  his  white 
chest.)  this  wound  I  received  in  defence  of  my  captain's  life  at  Quebec.  Had 
I  not  Icved  him,  I  sliould  not  so  have  exjwsed  myself,  neither  but  for  that 
should  i  now  stand  in  the  situation  of  shame  and  danger,  in  which  my  com- 
rades behold  me." 

Every  heart  was  touched  by  this  appeal — this  bold  and  manly  appeal 
to  the  consideration  of  tiie  governor.  The  officers,  especially,  who  were  fully 
conveisant  with  the  general  m'rit  of  Halloway,  were  deeply  affected,  and 
Charles  do  Haldimar — the  young,  the  generous,  tlie  feeling  Charles  de  Haldi- 
mar, even  shed  tears. 

■'  What  mean  you,  prisoner  V'  interrogated  the 
pause,  during  which  he  apjieared  to  be  weigliing  and 
the  expressions  just  uttorod.    ••  What  mean  you 


j^^ovcrnor,  after  a  short 
tioilucing  inferences  from 
,  by  .<t:itiug,  but  for  thcit  (al- 


18 


W  A  C  0  U  8  T  A  •,     OK,     THE     P  R  U  P  II  £  C  Y  , 


ludinf;  to  your  re^^rd  for  (Japtain  dc  Ilaldimar)  you  would  not  now  ))o  in  thia 
situation  of  shame  and  danger  ?" 

Tho  prisoner  hesitated  a  moment ;  and  then  rejoined,  but  in  a  tone  that 
had  less  of  ilrmness  in  it  than  before, — "  Colonel  de  Ualdiraar,  I  am  not  at 
liberty  to  state  my  meaning ;  for,  though  a  private  soldier,  1  respect  mj  word, 
and  have  pledged  myself  to  secrecy." 

"  You  respect  vour  word,  and  have  pledged  yourself  to  secrecy !  What 
me^n  you,  man,  by  this  rhodomontado  ?  To  whom  can  you  have  pledged 
yourself,  and  for  what,  unless  it  be  to  some  secret  enemy  without  tho  walls  ? 
Qentlemen,  proceed  to  your  duty :  it  is  evident  that  the  man  is  a  traitor,  oven 
from  his  own  admission.  On  my  life,"  he  pursued,  more  hurriedly,  and 
speaking  in  an  under  tonn,  as  if  to  himself,  "  the  fellow  has  1)ecn  bribed  by, 

and  is  connected  with ."    The  name  escaped  not  his  lips ;  for,  aware 

of  tho  emotion  he  was  betraying,  he  suddenly  checked  himself,  and  assumed 
his  wonted  stern  and  authoritative  bearing. 

Once  more  the  prisoner  addressed  the  governor  in  the  same  clear,  finn  voice 
in  which  he  had  opened  his  appeal. 

"  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  I  have  no  connection  with  any  living  soul  without 
the  fort ;  and  again  I  repeat,  I  am  no  traitor,  but  a  true  ami  loyal  British 
soldier,  as  my  8crvice.s  in  this  war,  and  my  comrades,  can  well  attest.  Still, 
I  seek  not  to  shim  that  death  which  I  have  braved  a  dozen  times  at  least  in 

the regiment.     All  that  1  ask  is,  that  I  may  not  be  tried — that  1  may 

not  have  the  shame  of  hearing  sentence  pronounced  against  me  yet  ;  but  if 
nothing  should  occur  before  eight  o'clock  to  vindicate  my  character  from  this 
disgrace,  I  will  offer  up  no  further  prayer  for  mercy.  In  the  name  of  that 
life,  therefore,  which  I  once  preserved  to  Captain  de  Haldimar,  at  the  price  of 
my  own  blood,  I  entreat  a  respite  from  trial  until  then." 

"  In  tho  name  of  God  and  all  his  angels,  let  mercy  reach  your  soul,  and 
grant  his  prayer !" 

Every  car  was  siuitlcd — every  heart  touched  by  the  plaintive,  melancholy, 
silver  tones  of  the  voice  that  faintly  pronounced  the  last  appeal,  and  all  rec- 
ognized it  for  that  of  the  young,  interesting,  and  attached  wife  of  the  prisoner. 
Again  the  latter  turned  his  gaze  towards  the  window  whence  the  .sound  pro- 
ceeded, and  by  the  glare  of  the  torches  a  tear  wsus  distinctly  seen  by  many 
coursing  down  his  manly  cheek.  The  weakness  \vas  momentary.  In  the 
next  instant  he  closed  his  shirt  and  coat,  and  resuming  his  cap  stepjwd  back 
once  more  amid  liis  guard,  where  he  remained  stationary,  with  the  air  of  one 
who,  having  nothing  further  to  hope,  has  lesolved  to  endiu'c  tho  worst  that 
can  happen  with  resignation  and  fortitude. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  again  devote<l  to  much  apparent  deep 
thought  and  conjecture,  the  governor  once  more,  and  rather  hurriedly,  re- 
sumed,— 

"  In  the  event,  prisoner,  of  this  delay  in  your  trial  being  granted,  will  you 
pledge  yourself  to  disclose  the  secret  to  which  you  have  alluded  ?  Recollect, 
there  is  nothing  but  that  which  can  save  your  memory  from  being  consigned 
to  infamy  for  ever  |  for  who,  among  your  comradus,  will  believe  the  idle  de- 
nial of  your  treachery,  when  there  is  the  most  direct  proof  against  you  ?  If 
your  secret  die  with  you,  moreover,  every  honest  man  will  consider  it  as  hav- 
mg  been  one  so  infamous  and  injurious  to  your  character,  that  you  were  asham- 
ed to  reveal  it." 

These  suggestions  of  the  colonel  were  not  without  their  elfect ;  for,  in  the 
sudden  swelling  of  the  prisoner's  cliest,  as  allusion  was  made  to  the  disgrace 
that  would  attach  to  hie  memory,  tliere  was  evidence  of  a  high  and  generous 
spirit,  to  whom  obloquy  was  far  more  hateful  than  even  deatli  itself. 

"  J  do  promise,"  he  at  length  rei)]ic(l,  stepping  fot  ward,  and  uncovering  him- 
self as  before, — "  if  no  one  apjiear  to  justify  my  conduct  at  the  hour  I  have 
named,  a  full  disclosure  of  all  I  know  touching  this  att'air  shall  be  made.    And 


, 


W  A  C  O  V  8  T  A  ;      OR,     T  H  K      »•  11  0  1'  H  E  C  Y  . 


IP 


may  Ckyl,  of  his  influitc  nivrcy,  paiil,  tar  (.'sipltiin  dc  llaldiiimr's  Rtikc,  Oji  wcU 
as  mine,  I  may  not  then  be  wholly  <ksortc<l !" 

Thvro  waH  Bomcthing  so  poculiai-ly  Kolomii  and  improKsive  in  the  manner  in 
which  the  unhappy  man  now  exprcsKed  himself,  that  a  feeling  of  the  utmost 
awe  crept  into  the  bosoms  of  the  surrounding  throng ;  and  more  than  one 
veteran  of  the  grenadiers,  the  company  to  which  Halloway  belonged,  wis 
heard  to  relieve  his  chest  of  the  long  pent-up  sigh  that  struggled  for  release. 

"  Enough,  prisoner,"  rejoined  the  governor  ;  "  on  this  condition  do  I  graol 

irour  request ;  but  recollect, — your  disclosurt?  ensures  no  hope  of  pardon,  un- 
ess,  indeed,  you  have  the  fullest  proof  to  offer  in  your  defence.    Do  yoti  per- 
fectly  understand  me  ?" 

"  1  do,"  replied  the  soldier  firmly ;  and  again  ho  placed  his  cap  on  his  head, 
and  retired  a  step  or  two  back  among  the  guard. 

"  Mr.  Lawson,  let  the  prisoner  be  removed,  and  conducted  to  one  of  tlw 
private  cells.     Who  is  the  subaltern  of  the  guard  ?" 

''  Ensign  Fortescue,"  was  the  answer. 

"  Then  let  Ensign  Fortescue  keep  the  key  of  the  cell  himself.  TclT  hiat 
moreover,  I  shall  liold  him  individually  responsible  for  his  charge." 

Once  more  the  prisoner  was  marched  out  of  the  area  ;  and,  as  the  clanking 
sound  of  his  chains  became  gradually  fainter  in  the  distance,  the  same  voios 
that  had  before  interrupted  the  proceedings,  pronounced  a  "  God  bo  pniisod  ! 
God  be  praised  !"  with  such  melody  of  sorrow  in  its  intonations  that  no  oatt 
oould  listen  to  it  unmoved.  Both  officers  and  men  were  more  or  less  affected, 
and  all  hoped — tliey  scarcely  knew  why  or  what — but  all  hoped  sometliii^ 
favorable  would  occiu*  to  save  the  life  of  the  brave  and  unhappy  Frank  Hal- 
loway. 

Of  the  first  interruption  by  the  wife  of  the  prisoner  the  governor  had  taken 
no  notice  ;  but  on  this  repetition  of  the  cxprc-sion  of  her  feelings  he  brieflj 
summoned,  in  the  absence  of  the  adjutant,  theseigcant-majorof  thercgimcirt 
to  his  side. 

"  Sergeant-major  Bletson,  I  desire  that,  in  future,  on  all  occasions  of  this 
kind,  the  women  of  the  regiment  may  be  kept  out  of  the  waj\  Look  to  it, 
sir!" 

The  sergeant-major,  who  had  stood  as  erect  as  his  own  halbcrt,  which  he 
held  before  him  in  a  saluting  position,  during  this  brief  admonition  of  hiit 
colonel,  acknowledged,  by  a  certain  air  of  defl'rential  respect  and  dropping- rf 
the  eyes,  unaccompanied  by  speech  of  any  kind,  that  he  felt  the  reproof,  and 
would,  in  future,  take  care  to  avoid  all  similar  cause  for  complaint.  He  then 
stalked  stiffly  away,  and  resumed,  in  a  few  hasty  strides,  liis  position  in  rc»r 
of  the  troops. 

"Hard-hearted  man!"  pursued  the  same  voice:  ''if  ray  prayers  of  grati- 
tude to  heaven  give  offence,  may  the  hour  never  come  when  my  lips  shall 
pronounce  their  bitterest  curse  upon  your  .'."verity  !" 

There  was  sometliing  so  plainly  wild — so  solemnly  prophetic — in  these 
sounds  of  sorrow  as  they  fell  faintly  upon  the  ear,  and  especiiilly  under  the 
extraordinary  circumstances  of  the  night,  that  tliey  might  have  been  taken 
for  the  warnings  of  some  supernatural  agency.  During  their  utterance,  not 
even  the  breatliing  of  human  life  was  to  be  heard  in  the  ranks.  In  the  next 
instant,  however.  Sergeant-major  Bletson  was  seen  repairing,  with  long  and 
hasty  strides,  to  the  barrack  whence  the  voice  proceeded,  and  the  inten-uptioo 
was  heard  no  more. 

Meanwhile  the  officers,  who  .had  been  sunnuoned  fi*om  the  ranks  for  th*- 
purpose  of  forming  the  court-martial,  still  lingered  in  the  centre  of  the  square^ 
apparently  waiting  for  the  order  of  their  superior,  before  they  should  resnrne 
theu'  respective  stations.  As  the  quick  and  comprehensive  glance  of  Colonel 
de  Haldimar  now  embraced  the  group,  he  at  once  became  sensible  of  the  ab- 
sence of  one  of  the  seniors,  all  of  whom  he  had  desired  should  be  selected  ibr 
the  court-martial. 


ISO 


W  A  C  O  II  S  T  A  ;     OR.      T  II  K     P  K  O  P  H  K  C  Y  , 


•'Mr.  l-iiusoii."  lie  iiiniiikcil.  sonu'wlmt  slunily,  as  the  arljutanfc  now  re- 
tunicd  from  di'livi'vijin  over  liis  prismu'r  to  F}nsi;j;n  Fortoscuc,  "  1  thought  I 
understood  Croin  your  ii'iiort  thi>  ofllcers  were  all  present !" 

'•  I  believe,  s'\r.  my  report  will  lie  found  jierfectly  con-cct,"  returnoil  the 
Hdjutiint.  in  u  toue  Avhicli,  witliout  lieiug  disrespectful,  marked  liis  otlcnded 
sew"  of  the  implieation. 

"  And  Lieutenant  Muiphy " 

'•  Is  here,  sir,"  said  the  adjutant,  pointing  to  a  coujile  of  files  of  the  guard, 
who  were  heari'ijr  a  heavy  liurden,  and  following'  into  the  square.  "Ijicuten- 
ant  Murphy."  he  |iiirsued.  "  has  lieen  .shot  on  the  ramjmrts ;  and  1  have,  as 
directed  liy  Captain  Hlessiiiy;ton,  cau.sed  the  body  to  lie  brought  licre,  that  1 
may  receive  your  orders  lespecting  the  interment."  As  he  spoke,  he  removed 
.u  king  military  j-iey  cloak,  wliicli  completely  enshroudetl  the  corpse,  and  dis- 
olo.sed,  liy  the  liiih't  Jif  the  still  brijihtly  ila'ming  torches  of  the  gunners,  the 
features  of  the  unfortunate  Alurphy. 

•'  II(»w  did  he  meet  his  ileath  ?"  enquired  the  governor  ;  without,  however, 
manifesting  the  slightest  surprise,  or  appearing  at  all  moved  at  the  discovery. 

••  Hy  a  rifle  shot  tired  from  the  common,  near  tlic  old  bomb-proof,"  ob- 
served Captain  Blessingtou,  ns  the  adjutant  looked  to  him  for  the  particular 
•explanation  he  could  not  render  himself. 

•■  Ah  !  this  reminds  me,"  pursued  the  aiistci-c  commandant, — "  there  was  a 
shot  fired  al.so  from  the  ramparts.     By  whom,  and  at  what?" 

'•  My  me,  sir."  said  tiieutenant  Valletort,  coming  forward  from  tlie  ranks, 
"  and  at  what  1  conceived  to  bo  an  Indian,  lurking  as  a  spy  upon  the  common." 

••  Then,  Lieutenant  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  no  repetition  of  these  firings,  if 
you  please  ;  and  let  it  be  borne  in  mind  Ijy  all,  that  although,  from  the  pe- 
culiar nature  of  the  service  in  which  we  are  engaged,  I  so  far  depart  from 
the  established  regulations  of  the  army  as  to  permit  my  oflRccrs  to  arm 
themselves  with  ritlcs,  they  are  to  be  used  only  as  occiision  may  require  in 
tbc  hour  of  conflict,  and  not  for  the  purpose  of  throwing  a  whole  garrison 
into  alarm  by  trials  of  skill  and  dexterity  upon  shadows  at  this  unseasonable 
hour." 

"I  was  not  aware,  sir."  returned  Sir  Everard  proudly,  and  secretly  galled 
at  being  thus  addressed  beforo  the  men,  "  it  could  bo  decmc<l  a  military  crime 
to  destroy  an  enemy  at  whatever  hour  he  might  present  himself,  and  especi- 
ally on  such  an  occasion  as  the  present.  As  for  my  firing  at  a  shadow,  those 
who  heard  the  yell  that  followed  the  second  shot,  can  determine  that  it  camo 
from  no  shadow,  but  from  a  fierce  and  vindictive  enemy.  The  cry  denoted 
even  something  more  than  the  ordinary  defiance  of  an  Indian :  it  seemed  to 
express  a  fiendish  sentiment  of  jxirsonal  triumph  and  revenge." 

The  governor  started  involuntarily.  "  Do  you  imagine,  Sir  Everard  Valle- 
tort, the  aim  of  your  rifle  was  true — that  you  hit  him  ?" 

Tlie  question  was  asked  so  hurriedly,  and  in  a  tone  so  different  from  that 
in  which  he  had  hitherto  spoken,  that  the  officers  around  simidtaneously 
raised  their  eyes  to  those  of  their  colonel  with  an  expression  of  undisscmbled 
surprise.  He  observed  it,  and  instantly  resumed  his  habitual  sternness  of 
look  and  manner. 

"  I  rather  fear  not.  sir."  re{ilie(l  Sir  Everard,  who  had  principally  remarked 
the  emotion,  '•  but  may  1  hope  ^and  this  was  said  with  emphasis),  in  the  evi- 
dent disappointment  you  experience  at  my  want  of  success,  my  offence  may 
be  overlooked  ?" 

The  governor  fixed  bis  penetrating  eyes  on  the  speaker,  as  if  he  would  have 
read  his  inmost  mind  ;  and  then  calmly,  and  even  impressivelv  observed, — 

"Sir  pAcrard  Valletort,  I  do  overlook  the  offence,  and  hope  yon  may 
as  easily  forgive  yourself.  It  were  well,  however,  that  yoiu'  indiscretion, 
which  can  only  find  its  excuse  in  your  being  so  young  an  officer,  had  not  lieen 
altogether  without  Fome  good  result.  Had  you  killed  or  disabled  the — the 
savage,  there  might  have  been  a  decent  jialliative  offered;  but  what  must  bo 


w  A  i;  o  u  8  T  A  ;    OR, 


It  K      l>  R  O  |>  11   E  C  Y  . 


2J. 


your  feelings,  sir.  wlicn  you  ri'tlwt.  the  dciitli  of  yoii  olliiei'."  and  lie  itoiiitudf 
to  the  corpHt'  of  the  unhnpi)y  AFuiiihy,  "  is.  in  ii  (riviit  dej^'ie,  attrihutahlo  tu 
yourself?  Had  you  not  provoked  the  an(j;i'r  of  the  savajie.  mid  (^iven  a  tlirwv 
tion  to  his  aim  liy  the  impotent  and  wanton  discharj^-  of  your  own  riHe,  tiiii» 
ui'cident  wouiil  never  have  liiipjiened." 

Tliis  severe  rejiroviuK  of  an  otiicer.  who  had  acted  frtini  tlio  most  priusc- 
worthy  of  motives,  and  who  <'(iuld  not  ])ossiltly  have  antieipatid  the  imfovtrj- 
uate  riitast,ro|)he  that  had  occurrcij.  was  eonsidi're<l  espeeiiiliy  liarsh  and  «u- 
kind  liy  every  one  present ;  and  a  low  and  almost  inaudilili:  munuur  pusstd 
llirou^ih  the  company  to  which  Sii'  Kverard  was  attached.  For  a  tnimitc  «r 
two  that  otiicer  appcai'cd  deeply  pained,  not  moie  from  the  I'cproof  itself  tUnu 
from  the  new  lijjht  in  which  the  ol)ser\Mtion  of  his  chief  had  tau},',ht  hiiu  U*- 
view,  lor  the  lirst  time,  the  causes  that  had  led  to  the  fall  of  jMiu'phy.  l'ind>- 
injr.  however,  that  the  ^'overnor  had  no  further  remarks  to  aildress  to  him,  Iw 
onc(>  more  returnerl  to  his  station  in  the  ranks. 

"Mr.  Ijawson."  resumed  the  coinm;indant.  turnini;-  to  the  adjutant,  "I** 
this  victim  lie  carried  to  the  spot  on  which  he  fe'l.  and  there  interred.  I 
know  no  better  jrrave  for  a  soldier  tnan  hencath  the  sod  that  has  been  mois- 
tened with  his  Mood.  I'eeollcct,"  lie  continued,  as  the  adjutant  once  tnotv 
led  the  party  out  of  the  area, — "•  no  liiin;r.  -Mr.  Lawson.  The  <lnty  must  b*- 
silently  perlormed,  and  without  the  risk  of  jirovokin^  a  I'oi-est  of  arrows,  or  a 
shower  of  bullets,  from  the  savajres.  Major  Ulackwater."  he  pnrsued,  as  soo«» 
as  the  corpse  had  been  removed,  "  let  the  men  pile  their  arms  even  as  thtry 
now  stand,  and  reniHin  reaily  to  fall  in  at  a  minute's  notice.  Should  aiijf- 
ihiiiK  oxtraordiimiy  ha])pen  before  the  morninn;,  you  will,  of  course,  appru!»f 
me."  Ho  then  strode  out  of  the  area  with  the  same  haughty  and  mcasuwyl 
step  that  had  eharacterise<l  liis  entiance. 

"  Our  colonel  does  not  appear  to  be  in  one  of  his  most  amiable  moods  ten- 
night,"  observed  Captain  Jilessingtoii.  as  the  oflicers,  after  having  dispas«dS 
of  their  respective  companies,  luiw  proceeded  ahmg  the  ramparts  (o  assist  at 
the  last  funeral  offices  of  their  imhappy  associate.  ••  IIi^  was  disposc^l  to  ht* 
severe,  and  must  have  put  you,  in  some  measure,  out  of  conceit  with  yoaii' 
favorite  rifle,  Valletort." 

'•  True,"  rejoined  the  baronet,  who  had  already  rallied  from  the  momentarjr 
depression  of  his  spirits,  "  he  hit  me  devili.sh  hard,  1  confess,  and  was  dispofwdt 
to  display  more  of  the  commanding  officer  than  quite  suits  my  ideas  of  tine- 
service.  His  words  were  as  caustic  as  his  looks ;  and  could  both  have  pien?- 
ed  me  to  the  quick,  there  was  no  inclination  on  his  part  wanting.  By  i»y 
soul  \  could  ....  but  I  forgive  him.  He  is  the  fathei*  of  my  friend  :  and  dx 
that  reason  will  I  chew  the  cud  of  my  mortilication,  nor  suffer,  if  j)ossibk^,. 
a  sense  of  his  unkimlne.ss  to  rankle  at  my  heart.  At  all  events,  tllcssingtocii 
my  mind  is  made  up,  and  resign  or  exchange  1  certainly  shall  the  instaut  8 
iind  a  decent  loop-hole  to  creep  out  of." 

Sir  Evcrard  fancied  the  ear  of  his  captain  was  alone  listening  to  thestv  ex- 
pressions of  his  feeling,  or  in  all  probability  he  would  not  have  uttered  thetpt. 
As  he  concluded  the  last  sentence,  however,  he  felt  his  arm  gently  grasj)ctl  frj 
one  who  walked  a  pace  oi-  two  silently  in  their  rear.     He  turned,  and  recog- 
nized Charles  do  Haldimar. 

"  I  am  sure,  ^'alleto^t,  you  will  believe  how  much  ])ained  1  have  been  zrl 
the  severity  of  my  father  ;  but,  indeed,  there  was  nothing  personally  offensi»ie 
intended.  IJlessington  can  tell  you.  as  well  as  myself,  it  is  his  niannor  alto*- 
getber.  Nay,  that  although  he  is  the  first  in  seniority  after  Blackwater,  tbt- 
governor  treats  him  with  the  .same  distance  and  hauteur  he  would  use  toward* 
the  youngest  ensign  in  the  service.  Such  ar«  the  effects  of  his  long  militaerj' 
habits,  and  his  icleas  of  the  absolutism  of  command.  Am  1  not  right,  Ble&- 
sington  ?" 

''  Quite  right,  (Jharles.  Sir  Kverard  may  satisfy  himself  his  is  no  solitaijr 
iustance  of  the  stern  severitv  of  vour  father.    St^ll,  I  confess,  notwithstan^ 


w  A  r  o  u  H  'I'  A  ;    Oil,    r  k  i:    r  r  u  p  ii  k  c  y 


inj5  the  ri^iilit)  of  inHiiiv'r  wliidi  lu<  mtiuk,  on  iill  occnsions,  lo  think  so  in- 
dypciisiihli'  h)  till'  iiK'.inti'iiiinci'  ot"  aiiHiMvity  in  ii « v»niiiminliiiii  otlli'iT.  I  nrvm- 
knew  him  ho  inclincil  lo  llmi  liiii'l  mk  he  ir>  lii-iii;;ht." 

*' Porhaps."  'iMiTvcd  N'aliriori,  .vooil  huinoriMlly,  ••  his  i'oiis('it';!ii'  is  ratl'.'T 
restlu.^s ;  iiml  hi'  i-  williiijj  I,  i  ;.'(i  lil  ui'  ii  mmiI  liis  Npli'on  iilto^tfthor.  I  Wi»iM 
WAj;<'r  my  ritln  !iKi»iii-it  Ilii' ivortlih  v  ,>i:iI;m)(  ihf  niHc.'.l  I  (Irod  iil  to-iii;;ii!,  liiiit 
this  sumo ,'stnm.L''i'r,  wIhhi.'  it^si'Vlfiluiipiiiriinco  hiis  I'ullcd  us  IVoin  ouri\iiii'')it- 
a.\)U'  ImjUh,  i.s  but  thi'  criution  nt'liis  disliiiiu'd  (IrcaniH.  Imk't'd,  liow  i>  it  iio-- 
Hible  anythiiij^  loiiiu'il  of  llosii  luiil  l.looil  could  have  cwiiiK'il  us  witli  iIh'  vi  ;:- 
iant  watch  thnt  hasi  hiM-n  kijd  on  tlu'  iaiM|)avts  ?  The  old  m«ntlt.'miinctTt!iinly 
had  that  illusion  Ntrmrrly  iui|ir'^s-;('d  on  his  mind  when  he  8o  sapientiy  spoko 
of  my  flriiiy,'  at  a  shadow." 

"  But  the  ;i:ati*,"  intciiupti'd  ('liailes  de  Ifaldimar,  with  Honiethinn  of  mild 
rfiproHch  in  his  tones, — '"you  forget.  Valletoit,  the  jjjato  was  found  unlo<'kod, 
and  that  my  lirotlur  is  missiui;-.  f/r.  iit  least,  was  i\mY\  and  hloo<l,  aw  you 
»iy,  and  yet  he  has  di>,.)ipeared.  What  more  prolmhle.  therefore,  than  that 
this  .stranger  is  ;d  once  liie  cause  and  tlie  anjcnt  of  his  al)duction?" 

"  rmpossilile,  Charh's."  observed  Captain  HlessinRton  ; "  Frederiek  wiu  in  the 
iriidsi  of  his  jjuurd.  I  low.  therefore,  could  he  l)0  fonveyed  away  without  the 
aJftrni  being  jrivin?  Nundurs  only  could  have  succeeded  in  so  desperate  an 
enterprise ;  and  yet  there  is  no  evidence,  or  even  suspicion,  of  more  than  on« 
individiud  havini:  been  here." 

"  It  is  a  sinj;Ml!ir  utrnir  alionelher,"  returned  Sir  Everard,  musin(j;ly.  '•  Of 
two  t.hinjfs."  houever.  I  iiui  .--titisHe^l.  The  first  is,  tiiat  the  straujiie'',  whoever 
he  may  tie,  and  if  he  rt  illy  li.is  been  here,  is  no  Indian;  the  second,  that  ho 
is  jwr:  o)ially  known  to  the  (lovirnor,  who  has  been,  or  I  mintako  niuih,  more 
aJiuined  at  his  individual  prcMU^'cthan  if  I'onteac  and  his  whole  band  had 
Mi'idrnly  broken  in  upon  us.  I>id  you  remark  his  emotion,  when  I  dwelt  on 
tJy^  ]K'<uliar  clriractcr  of  personal  liiiunphand  revenpo  which  the  cry  of  the 
lujUiij'j;  villain  outside  seemed  to  express  V  and  did  you  notice  the  eapiorness 
w  i(:li  which  he  eiiouired  if  I  Ibouiihl  I  had  hit  him  ?  Depend  upon  it,  there  is 
nitMc  in  all  (his  tbiiu  is  drennU  of  in  our  philosophy." 

••  And  it  was  your  undis<i;uised  perception  of  that  emotion,"  remarked 
Captain  iJlcssinpilon,  '•  that  drew  down  his  severity  upon  jour  own  head.  It 
■wtui,  however,  too  piilj)able  not  to  be  noticed  )iy  all ;  and  I  dare  say  conjecture 
in  AS  busily  and  as  vn^ruely  at  work  amoufr  our  companions  as  it  is  with  us. 
TTie  clue  to  the  mystery,  in  a  (treut  deyrrec.  now  dwells  with  Frank  Hftlloway ; 
and  to  him  we  must  look  for  its  elucidation.  His  dischwui^  will  be  one,  1 
anprehend.  full  of  i;j[non\iny  to  himself,  but  of  the  high'.'st  iniv-ro.st  and  im- 
jx'viance  to  us  all.  And  yet  I  know  not  how  to  believe  the  man  the  traitor 
iie  i:])]ii'!irs." 

•  Did  you  7v):iaik  that  last  liarrowiu'r  exclamation  of  his  wife?"  observed 
rh;uies  de  llaldimar.  in  a  toiu'  of  unspeakable  melancholy.  "  How  fearfully 
,  '^>|)lll'tic  it  souni'ed  in  my  ears.     I  know  not  how  it  i.s,"  he  pursued,  "but  I 

iU  I  had  no!  beard  those  soimds ;  ibr  since  that  moment  I  have  had  a  sad 
..nuvif  presentiment  nf  evil  at  my  heart.  Heaven  p^rant  my  poor  brother 
ma;,  make  his  appeaiaiice.  as  1  still  trust  he  will,  at  the  hour  TIalloway  seems 
to  expect,  lor  if  not,  the  latter  most  assuredly  dies.  I  know  my  father  well ; 
and.  If  convicted  by  a  court  martial,  nohinnan  power  can  alter  thede.stiny  that 
.-iwaits  Frank  Halloway." 

■■  Rally,  my  dear  Chiirles.  rally."  .ssiid  Sir  Everard,  affecting  a  conlidcuce  he 
did  not  feel  himself;  '  hidulge  not  in  these  idle  and  superstitious  fancies.  I 
pity  Hallowiiy  from  my  soul,  and  feel  the  deepest  interest  in  his  pretty  and 
uj)hiipi)y  wife  ;  but  that  is  no  reason  why  one  should  attach  importance  to  the 
iniroherent  expressiinis  \\  runy  from  her  in  the  agony  of  grief" 

••  it  is  kind  of  you.  Valletort.  to  endeavor  to  cheer  my  spirits,  when,  if  the 
trith  were  confessed,  you  lu'knowledge  the  influence  of  the  same  feolinga.    I 


WACOUrtTA 


OR,     T  il  K 


R  O  P  II  K  C  Y . 


83 


111. 

()  in- 

r,  1 

nrmr 

i-  1 
1  . 

.•iM'.-T 
'.  iiM 

.  Hint 

i>  il 

I'll  I  • 
10-- 

iIh- 

V!;;i- 

(•(•It 

aiiilv 

tl.v  > 

|ioko 

thank  you  for  the  nttompt,  but  tinio  iilotut  can  show  how  fur  i  simll  have 
reason,  or  otlnrwisi',  to  liitnciit  the  (Mciirrciici's  of  tliJM  nijrhl." 

They  liari  now  ri'a<'h.^'<l  thiit  port  of  tlic  rumimrts  whciuH"  the  sliot  from  Sir 
Kvwunl'M  rillc  had  fj«X!n  tlre«l.  iSov('riil  nu-n  wtri'  oirupieci  in  tlijrjfinj?;  a  ;ravc 
in  the  orwisc  spot  on  which  tins  unfortunate  Murphy  ha<l  Ht»KMl  when  lie  ro- 
(X)ivo(l  nis  duath  wound  ;  and  into  this,  when  conipletiMl,  the  hody,  ensitroud- 
«(1  in  th(t  clonk  alreiuiy  alluded  to,  was  (le|H)sitL>d  by  Iuh  conipunion^'. 


CHAPTKR   lir. 

Wiiii.K  tho  adjutant  wnn  yet  rcadin)<,  in  a  low  and  Holvmn  voice,  the  wervicc 
for  the  dead,  a  tler;c  and  dintnnt  veil,  as  if  from  a  legion  of  devilH,  burHt  Kud- 
denly  from  tlie  forest,  and  broujjht  tho  hands  of  the  startled  ofllcers  instinc- 
tively to  their  uwonls.  This  appallitif);  cry  Instisl  without  interruption,  for 
many  minutes,  and  wu.s  then  as  abniptly  chucked  as  it  had  been  unexpectedly 
delivered.  A  considerable  pause  succeeded,  and  then  it  rose  with  even  nior(3 
fitartlini;  vehemence  than  l)efore.  By  one  unaccustomed  to  those  devilish 
sounds,  no  distinction  could  have  been  mode  in  tho  two  .several  yolls  that  had 
been  thus  savagely  pealed  forth  ;  but  those  to  whom  practice  and  long  exjM)- 
rienco  in  the  warlike  habits  and  customs  of  the  Indians  had  i-endered  their 
shouts  familiar,  at  once  divine*!,  or  fancied  they  divined,  the  cause.  The  first 
wius,  to  their  conception,  a  yell  expressive  at  once  of  vengeance  and  disappoint- 
ment in  pursuit, — perhajis  of  some  prisoner  who  had  escaped  from  their  toils ; 
the  second,  of  triumph  and  suc(;ess, — in  all  probability,  indicative  of  the  re- 
capture of  that  prisoner.  For  many  minutes  afterwards  the  otticers  continued 
to  listen,  with  the  most  aching  attention,  for  a  repetition  of  the  cry,  or  even 
fainter  sounds,  that  might  denote  either  n  nearer  approach  to  the  '"ort.  or  the 
final  departure  of  the  Indiims.  After  the  second  yell,  however,  tho  woods,  in 
the  heart  of  which  it  appeared  to  have  betn  uttered,  were  buried  in  as  pro- 
found a  silence 'as  if  they  had  nc!ver  yet  echoeil  back  the  voioo  of  man  ;  and  all 
at  length  became  satisfied  that  the  Indians,  having  ac-complished  some  parti- 
cular purpose,  had  retired  once  more  to  their  distant  encampment  for  the 
night,  (y'iiptain  Krskinc  was  tho  first  who  broke  the  almost  breathle,-s  silence 
that  prevailed  among  them.selves. 

"  On  my  life,  l)e  Ilaldinw  is  a  prisoner  with  the  Indians,  ile  has  been  at- 
tempting his  esca[io — hius  been  detected, — followed,  and  again  fallen  into  their 
hands.  I  know  their  infernal  yells  but  too  well.  The  last  expressed  their 
savage  joy  at  the  capture  of  a  prisoner  ;  and  there  is  no  one  of  us  missing  but 
De  Ualdinuir." 

"Not  u  doubt  of  it,"  said  Captain  Mlossington ;  the  cry  was  certainly  what 
you  describe  it,  and  Heaven  only  knows  what  .vill  be  the  fate  of  oui^  poor 
friend." 

Ni)  otlu  r  officer  spoko,  for  all  were  oppres.sed  by  the  weight  of  their  own 
feelings,  and  sought  luther  to  give  indulg(!ncc  to  speculation  in  .secret,  than  to 
share  their  impressions  with  tlieir  companions.  Charles  de  Hivldimar  stood  a 
little  in  the  rear,  leaning  his  head  u])on  his  hand  agsiinst  the  1k)x  of  the  sentry, 
(who  was  silently  though  anxiously  jiacing  his  walk,)  and  in  an  attitude  ex- 
pressive of  the  deepest  dejection  and  sorrow. 

"  I  suppose  I  must  finisli  Lawson's  work,  although  [  am  but  a  poor  hand  at 
thi.s  sort  of  thing,"  resumed  Captain  Krskine,  taking  up  the  prayer  book  the 
adjutant  had,  in  hastening  on  the  first  alarm  to  get  the  men  under  arms,  care- 
lessly thrown  on  the  grave  of  the  now  unconscious  Murphy. 

He  then  commenced  the  service  at  the  point  where  Mr.  Law.son  had  .so 
abruptly  broken  off,  and  went  through  the  remainder  of  the  prayers.  A  very 
few  minutes  sufficed  for  the  performance  of  this  solemn  duty,  which  w^as  affectod 


34 


W  A  C  O  L'  R  T  A  :      OR,     THE      PROPHECY. 


i''i 
i,iij 


hy  the  fiiint    iin  li.srht  of  the  at  leiiirth  dawiii'i;;  day.  and  the  men  in  attend- 
ance proeiv'ded  to  till  np  tlie  jirave  of  their  ofti('ei'. 

(lii'a(hially  the  mists,  that  liad  Ihlleii  durin;;  the  latter  hours  of  tlie  right, 
l)cpan  lo  aseeiid  from  the  oom)non.  and  (hsjierse  themselves  in  aii-.  eonveying 
tl:e  appearanne  of  a  roih'n,!!'  slieet  of  vajior  retiring;  back  upon  itself,  and  dis- 
♦•losiiip;  olijeets  in  suceession,  until  the  eye  eould  i'mhrace  all  that  eauie  within 
its  extent  of  vision.  As  the  utlicirs  yet  lin^eved  near  t\w.  rude  giave  of  iJicir 
<'<iinji;uiion,  \vatchin;i-  with  alislrueti'd  air  tlu'  l.'nijiuid  and  almost  meclianieal 
aetion  of  their  jaded  iinn.  i,s  lliey  emptied  sho'.el  !il'ler  shovel  of  tlu'  di.mp 
earth  over  the  l)ody  of  its  nuvv  Irnau!.  they  were  suddenly  startled  hy  an  ex- 
pression of ixultiiiion  fi'oii!  Sir  Kvunrd  X'allelort. 

■"  liy  .Iu])iter.  I  Imvr  ]iinked  liiiii."  he  I'xclaiiiied  trium])hant]y.  "  (  knew 
my  ritli'  could  not  err;  iind  as  for  »^y  sijrlit.  I  h.ivi-  carried  away  too  many 
prizes  in  target-shoot inji-  to  iiave  lieen  deceived  in  that.  How  delif^htcd  tlic 
ol<l  governor  will  he.  Charles,  to  hear  this.  Xo  more  lecturin,:;,  I  am  suix'.  for 
the  next  six  months  at  least ;"  ami  the  youn.t;:  ollicer  nibbed  his  hands  l-j- 
Rether,  at  the  success  of  his  shot,  with  as  much  sntisfaetion  and  ur.c'oncern  for 
the  future,  as  if  lie  had  lieen  in  his  own  native  Kiijiland.  in  tlie  midst  of  a 
jirize-rinji;. 

Ron.scd  by  the  observation  of  his  friend.  i)e  Ilaldimar  (luitted  his  position 
near  tlie  sentry  box.  and  advanced  to  the  outer  i'di;e  of  the  rampart.  To  him, 
as  to  his  companions,  the  outline  of  the  old  bomb-proof  was  now  distinctly 
visible,  but  it  was  .some  time  before  they  could  ('.iscover,  in  the  direction  in 
which  Valietort  jiointed.  a  dark  .^jieek  njion  the  common ;  and  this  .so  indis- 
tinctly, they  couM  .scarcely  distiiiiruish  it  with  the  naked  eye. 

"  Your  si,::ht  is  ()uite  eipial  to  your  aim,  Sir  Kvei-ard,"  '•cvnarked  Lieutenant 
Johnstone,  one  of  Krskine's  subalterns,  •and  both  are  decidedly  superior  to 
mine  ;  yet  I  used  to  be  +houf>ht  a  j^ood  rifleman  too.  ami  have  credit  for  an  eye 
no  'ess  keen  than  that  of  an  Indian;  you  have  the  advanta;>e  of  me.  however; 
for  I  honestly  ad.nit  I  never  could  have  ])icked  olf  yon  fellow  in  th?  dark  as 
you  have  done." 

As  the  dr.wn  increased,  the  dark  .shadow  of  a  human  form,  stretcliod  at  its 
length  upon  the  ground,  became  perceptible;  and  the  oflicers,  with  one 
imaninious  voice,  bore  loud  testimony  to  the  skill  and  dexterity  of  him  who 
had,  !inder  such  extreme  disadvantages,  accomplished  the  death  of  their  skulk- 
ing cnemj'. 

"  -Bravo,  Valietort,"  .said  Charles  de  Ilaldimar.  recovering  his  .s])irits,  as 
much  from  the  idea,  now  occuring  to  him,  that  this  might  indeed  bo  the 
stranger  whose  appearance  had  so  greatly  disturbed  his  father,  as  from  the 
gratilication  he  felt  in  the  ]iraises  bestowed  on  his  friend.  "  IJravo,  my  tiear 
fellow  !"  then  approaching,  and  in  a  half  whisper,  ■•  when  next  I  write  to 
Clara.  1  shall  i'e(piest  her.  with  my  cousin's  assistance,  to  ju'epare  a  chaplelof 
bays,  wherewith  I  shall  myself  <.'rown  you  as  their  ?)roxv.  Hut  what  is  the 
matter  now.  A'alletort  ?  \Vliy  stand  you  there  ^^azing  ujion  the  conuuon,  a.s 
if  the  victim  of  your  munf'rous  aim  was  rising  from  liis  bh)ody  couch,  to  re- 
proach you  'vith  his  death  .'  'I'ell  me.  shall  1  write  lo  Clara  for  the  [irize.  or 
will  you  receive  it  from  lur  own  hands  ?" 

■'  Hid  her  rather  pour  lur  curses  on  my  head  ;  and  to  those.  l)e  Kaldimar, 
add  your  own."  exclaimed  .Mr  Hveranl.  at  length  raising  himself  friMu  the 
,statue-like  jiosition  he  had  assumed.  "Almighty  (<od."he  ])ursued,  in  the 
same  tone  of  dee))  agony,  "  what  have  !  done  ?    VVlu-re  shall  I  hide  my.self?" 

As  he  spoke  he  turned  away  fioiii  liis  coniiianions,  and  covering  his  eyes 
with  his  hand,  with  ipiick  and  iiiie(|ual  steps,  even  like  tho.se  of  a  diiinkcn 
man,  walked,  or  rather  ran,  along  the  rampart,  as  if  fearful  of  being  over- 
taken. The  whole  group  of  oflicers,  and  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  in  particular, 
were  struck  with  ilismi'.y  at  the  language  and  acLion  of  Sir  Kverard  ;  and  for 
ii  moment  they  fancied  that  fatigue,  and  wat(.'hing,  and  excitement,  had  par- 
tially affected  his  luain.     Hut  when,  alter  the  lap.se  of  a  minute  or  two,  they 


f 


VV  A  I'  O  II  S  T  A 


O  R 


T  II  K      1'  R  O  P  H  E  C  V  , 


25 


p^ain  looked  out  upon  the  coninion,  the  secret  of  liis  unitatiou  was  too  fiiiti- 
fiiUv  ami  too  painfully  e.xj)laine(l. 

\Vhat  had  at  first  the  dusky  ami  (Hiifty  hue  of  a  half-naked  Indian,  was 
now  pen eived,  hy  tlie  luipiht  l)eanis  of  liglit  just  .catheiins  in  the  cast,  to  be 
the  Ray  and  striking  uniform  of  a  British  otHcer.  Douht  as  to  who  that  offi- 
cer was  there  could  he  none,  for  the  wiiite  sword-belt  suspended  over  the 
right  Khoulder,  and  tlirown  into  strong  relief  by  the  field  of  scarlet  on  which 
it  reposed.  <lenoteil  the  wearer  of  this  .listinguished  badge  of  duty  to  be  one 
of  the  guard. 

If  they  could  regret  the  lo.ss  of  such  a  companion  as  Murphy,  how  deep 
and  heartfelt  must  have  been  the  sorrow  they  experienced  when  they  beheld 
the  brave,  generous,  manly,  amiable,  and  highly-talented  Frederick  de  Ilaldi- 
mar — the  pride  of  the  garrison,  and  the  idol  of  his  family — lying  extended,  a 
cold,  senseless  corpse,  slain  by  the  hand  of  the  bosom  fri'-nd  of  his  brother ! — 
Notwithstanding  the  stern  s-evcrity  and  distance  of  the  governor,  whom  few 
circumstances,  however  critical  or  exciting,  could  surprise  into  relaxation  of 
his  habitual  statelincss,  it  would  have  been  difficult  to  name  two  young  men 
more  universally  liked  and  esteemed  by  their  brother  officers  than  were  the 
Do  Ilaldimars — the  first  for  the  qualities  already  named — the  second,  for  those 
retiring,  mild,  winning  manners,  and  gentle  affections,  added  to  extreme  and 
almost  feminine  beauty  of  countenance  for  which  he  was  remarkable.  Alas, 
what  a  gloomy  picture  was  now  exhibited  to  the  minds  of  all !  Frederick  de 
Ilaldimar  a  corpse,  and  slain  by  the  hand  of  Sir  Everard  Valletort !  What 
but  disunion  could  follow  this  melancholy  catastrophe?  and  how  could  Charles 
de  Ilaldi'nar,  even  if  his  bland  nature  should  survive  the  shock,  ever  bear  to 
look  again  upon  the  man  who  had,  liowever  innocently  or  unintentionally, 
deprived  him  of  a  brother  whom  he  adored  ? 

These  were  the  impressions  that  pas,sed  through  the  minds  of  the  compas- 
sionating officers,  as  they  directed  their  glance  alternately  from  the  common 
to  the  pale  and  marble-like  features  of  the  yoimgcr  De  Ilaldimar,  who,  with 
parted  lips  and  stupid  gaze,  continued  to  fix  his  eyes  upon  ttie  inanimate  form 
of  his  ill-fated  brother,  as  if  the  very  faculty  of  life  itself  had  been  for  a  period 
suspended.  At  lengtli,  however,  while  his  companions  watched  in  silence  the 
mining  workings  of  that  grief  which  they  feared  to  interrupt  by  ill-tinied  ob- 
.servations,  even  of  condolence,  the  death-like  hue,  which  had  hithei  to  suffused 
the  usually  blooming  cheek  of  the  young  officer,  was  succeeded  by  a  flu.sh  of 
the  deepest  dye,  while  his  eyes,  swollen  by  the  tide  of  blood  now  rushing 
violently  to  his  face,  appeared  to  be  bursting  from  tlieir  .sockets.  The  shock 
was  more  than  his  delicate  frame,  exhausted  as  it  was  by  watcliing  and  fa- 
tigue, could  bear.  lie  tottered,  reeled,  pressed  his  hand  upon  his  head,  and 
before  any  one  could  render  him  assistance,  fell  senseless  on  the  ramparts. 

During  the  interval  between  Sir  Everard  Valletort's  exclamation,  and  the 
fall  of  Charles  de  Ilaldimar,  the  men  employed  at  the  giave  had  perfoi-med 
their  duty,  and  were  gazing  with  mingled  astonishmeiit  and  concern,  both  on 
the  body  of  their  murderetl  officer,  and  on  the  dumb  scene  acting  aiound 
them.  '1  wo  of  these  were  now  despatched  for  a  litter,  with  which  they 
speedily  re-appeared.  On  this  Charles  de  Ilaldimar,  already  delirious  with 
the  fever  of  intense  excitement,  was  cai'efully  placeil.  and,  followed  by  Captain 
Blessington  sind  liieutenant  .Johnsl  >ne,  borne  to  his  apartment  in  the  small 
range  of  buildings  constituting  the  ofHceis'  bariacks.  Captain  Krskine  un- 
dertook the  disagreeable  office  of  communicating  these  distressing  events  to 
the  governor ;  and  the  rcmaindei'  of  the  officers  once  more  hastened  to  join 
or  linger  near  their  respective  companions,  in  readiness  for  the  order  which  it 
was  expected  wo  '  1  be  given  to  despatch  a  numeious  party  of  the  garrison 
to  secMi'e  the  body  of  (^aptain  de  Ilaldimar. 


26 


\l'  A  C  ()  V  S  T  /V 


o  i: 


r  ii 


"I'll  !■;  I-  i 


I'HAI'IKK    1\'. 


Tin:  '-un  was  ju<  rlsiiiff  aliovi-  llu-  iiori/on,  in  all  tlial  ptvdliiir  softiicss  of 
sploiidor  wliicJi  chai'iuuTiscs  the  vavly  i\ins  of  anlimiii  in  Aniciica,  a.s  (.'iip- 
tain  Krskiiio  h'li  liis  I'onipany  acru.'-..-.  tlic  di'avvln'idiic  that  c<>niiiniiii(!ati'(l  with 
tho  fort.  1 1  was  tlu'  t'lry  ihnv  it  had  hcii  lowered  siiiee  the  inve:-tiiii^nt  of  the 
ji;arris()i;  l)y  tiie  Indians;  and  as  the  dnl'  and  rnsly  cliains  ])erfon>it'd  tlieir 
service  with  a  iiarsh  and  ,!;iMtinf>  sound,  it  seemed  as  if  an  earnest  wore  Kiven 
of  melaneholy  ilodinl^^  Aithon.ah  the  distance  to  l)i'  traversed  was  small,  t)io 
risk  the  jiarty  inenrred  was  ureat ;  for  it  was  prohahlc  tlie  savaues,  uver  ou 
the  aleit.  would  not  sulfcr  them  to  ell'eet  their  ohjecit  nninolcsted.  It  was 
pui'haps  sinp;ular.  an<l  eeitainly  eontraiiictory.  that  an  officer  of  tlie  acknow- 
ledij;e<i  pi-iidenec  and  forethonjcht  ascribed  to  the  j^overnoi' — qnalities  whicli  in 
a  preat  dej;ree  neiiliali/.ed  his  excessive  severity  in  the  oyes  of  his  troops — 
shonld  have  hazarded  tlie  chiince  of  having;'  his  garrison  enfeebled  l>y  the  de- 
struction of  a  part,  if  not  of  the  whole,  of  the  company  ai)pointed  to  this 
danjjeroiis  duty  ;  hut  with  all  his  sovei'ity,  (Colonel  de  Ilaldiinar  was  not  with- 
out stroiii;-  affection  i'or  his  <,'hildren.  The  feclin<;s  of  the  fatlker,  therefore,  in 
a  sreat  decree  ti'iuinphc  !  over  the  ])rudence  of  the  coiunjamler  :  and  to  shield 
the  corjvse  of  his  son  from  the  indignities  whi(!h  he  well  knew  would  be  in- 
flicted on  it  by  Indian  barbarity,  he  had  been  induced  to  accede  to  the  earnest 
prayer  of  Oaptain  Krskin(>,  that  he  niijiht  be  permitted  to  lead  out  his  com- 
pany for  the  purpose'  of  securin;''  the  body.  Every  means  were,  however, 
taken  to  cover  the  advance,  and  ensuic  the  retreat  of  the  detachment.  Tho 
ri'MLiindor  of  the  troojjs  were  <li.';tiibnttd  al.mir  the  rear  of  th(!  rampiu'ts,  with 
instruilions  to  lie  flat  on  their  faces  until  suniin'>ned  by  their  (dlicers  from 
that  position;  which  was  to  be  done  only  in  the  event  of  close  pursuit  from 
t'le  savafjes.  Arl  illerymen  were  ai.so  statiom;d  at  the  .several  j;uns  that  liankecl 
the  rear  t)f  the  fore,  and  necessarily  commanded  both  the  common  and  the 
out.<kiri:  of  tin;  forest,  with  orders  to  lire  with  ;;rape-sliot  at  a  ^riven  si<;nal. 
Captain  Krskine's  in-itructions,  wire,  moreover,  if  attacked,  to  retreat  back 
undci  f.ie  liuns  of  the  fort,  slov.dy  and  in  lioivl  order.  an<l  without  turning  his 
hack  upon  the  cncTiiy. 

Thus  coniident  of  sujiport,  llie  ijarty,  aftei-  traversing;  the  drawbi'idjie  with 
lix'.-d  bayonets,  inclined  to  til"  rii^lit,.  and  ii)l!owin;c  the  wiud.ino- of  the  ditch 
bv  which  it  was  sui rouiided.  inaile  the  semi-cii'cuit  of  the  ranijiart  until  they 
,s;aine>l  the  immediate  centre  of  the  rear,  and  in  a  dire<;t  line  with  the  bomb- 
proof. Here  their  mode  of  advance  was  altered,  to  (iiiard  more  ellectually 
against  the  enemy  vith  whom  they  niiuht  i)ossil)ly  have  to  contend.  The 
front  and  rear  ranks  ol  the  i  Mnjuniy,  coiisistin;.:  in  all  of  ninety  nien,  were  so 
placed  as  to  leave  spac;'  in  the  e\eiit  of  aitaek,  for  a  portion  of  each  to  wheel 
inwaiiN  so  as  tf)  ])ieseul  in  an  insianl  l;hree  eipial  fices  of  a  -ijiiare.  As  the 
rear  w.is  snUiciently  covered  bv  the  vannon  of  the  fort  to  deleat  any  attempt 
to  turn  their  flanks,  the  niaiucuvrt!  wa,s  one  that  enabled  tiiem  to  present  a 
fuller  front  in  wdiatever  other  f|narter  they  inif;ht  be  attacked  ;  and  had  this 
additional  advanta};e,  that  in  the  advance  by  siie;ie  iiles  a  narrower  front  was 
Siven  to  the  aim  of  ilie  Indians,  who,  tiniest;  they  lired  in  tin  obiicjue  direction, 
could  only  of  necessiiy,  brinj;'  down  two  men  (the  leadinji'  Iiles)  at  a  time. 

In  this  oriier.  and  .■inxioiisly  ovei'!.)oked  by  their  comiades.  whose  eyes 
alone  j-.een'd  IVo!ii  ;d)C)ve  the  surface  of  the  rampart  on  which  they  lay  jiro.s- 
trate.  the  <ietacliment  irossed  ihe  common;  one  nink  heade*:!  by  Captain 
Erskine,  the  otl-.er  by  l,ieute,iiiii!  dolnistone.  They  liaii  now  approached 
vvithiii  ii  few  yards  oi'  llie  mifoi  t'.nialt'  victim,  when  (JapLain  Eiskine  com- 
niatided  a  b;,it  of  hi-.  p.ui>'  :  and  1wc^  iiles  wer"  detached  from  the  rear  of 
each  rank,  to  )ii,i(c  ;)e   So.;-,  cui  a  litter  wi  h  which  they  had  ]>rovide<!   them- 


• 


KC.^e.- 


V: 


)<i;ill~lollr 


same  direction  in  advanc.  of  tlie 


wacowsta;  ok,  the  prophecy. 


27 


men,  i)ic])ari.'(l  to  finili'i'  assistmicc  if  ro(|iiii'((l.  Thf^  covpsi-  lay  on  it>!  faci', 
and  ill  no  wiiy  dcsiioil'.-d  of  any  ftf  ;t,s  jjlittorinj;  hafiiliini'nts  ;  ii  (Mr<:nnif;lr.nco 
that  too  well  «;ontirnM(t  flic  fiu'l  of  !)(•  Iliildininr's  doatli  yiavinp;  li'i'n  iu'coin- 
plisI'.Ml  hy  llio  hill!  fi'mi  Sir  lOvci'anl  \'alk'torl's  riHo.  \i.  apfn-arud.  however, 
the  ill-fati-d  olHciT  had  ^  trii':;.'led  )ini('h  in  tlir  atvonies  of  (Icatti ;  for  tlie  loft 
lofT  Mils  draw  n  ii]i  into  an  mmatncal  stale  of  contraction,  and  the  ri^rlit  hand, 
elosely  compressed,  jirasped  a  (|iiaiilily  of  ;^ass  and  soil,  which  had  been  evi- 
dently torn  lip  in  a,  |)aro\ysin  o|'  siitferiiifi;  and  despair. 

The  men  placed  (lie  litter  .it  the  side  of  the  Jiody.  which  they  now  pro- 
eeeded  to  raise.  As  they  were  in  the  act  of  depositing'  it  on  this  temporary 
hier.  llv  plniivd  hr.t  lell  from  the  head,  and  disclosed,  to  tlic  u.stonishinent  of 
all,  the  scalfiless  <'ro\vn  co'.ri]ilet'.'ly  saturated  in  its  own  clotted  hlood  and 
oozinn' lirains.  An  e\elani;ition  of  horror  and  dis^v'iHt  escaped  at  the  same 
monieni  iroin  thi^  lips  f>f  the  two  oflieers,  and  the  men  started  hack  from  their 
oliarne  iis  if  a  hasilisk  had  suddenly  appeared  heforo  them.  Oaptain  Kr.skino 
pursued  : — 

'■  What  the  devil  is  (he  mi-aninjv  of  all  this,  Johnstone ?"  "What,  in- 
deed!" rejoined  his  li<iiienanl.  svitli  a  shrng  of  his  shoulders,  that  was  in- 
tended to  express  his  inahility  to  form  any  ofiinion  on  the  stdijcct. 

"  Unless  il  slioidd  )irove,"  continued  KrskiiK ,  "  as  I  sincerely  trust  it  may, 
that  poor  Valletort  is  not,  after  all.  the  nnirderer  of  hi.s  friend.  It  mimt  be 
.«!o.  I)e  llaliliinar  has  heen  slain  hy  the  same  Indian  who  killed  Murjihy. 
F)o  yon  recollect  his  scal|)  cry  ?  lie  was  in  the  act  of  despoilinii!;  his  victim 
of  tliis  trophy  of  .-iiceess.  when  Sir  Kve?  ird  fired.  Examine  the  luxly  well, 
Mitchell,  and  discover  v^here  the  wound  lies." 

The  old  soldier  to  whom  this  order  wa,s  addreS,sed  now  prepared,  with  the 
assistance  of  his  eomrades.  to  tiii'ii  the  liody  upon  its  .lark,  when  suddenly 
the  air  was  rent  with  terrilic  yells,  that  .seetned  to  he  uttered  in  their  very 
ears,  and  in  the  nej.t  instant  more  than  a  hundred  dark  and  hiileous  savaj^es 
sprang-  simultaneously  to  their  ft^'t  within  the  h(mili-proof,  while  every  tree 
alon.u;  the  skirt  of  the  forest  ;rave  ha,'k  the  towerin;;  form  of  a  warrior.  Each 
of  these,  in  addiiion  to  his  rifle,  was  armed  with  all  tho.so  d(!strnetive  imple- 
ments ol'  wai'fare  which  render  the  Indians  of  America  so  forniidahlo  and  .so 
terrihle  an  eneiiiv. 

•'Stand  to  your  arms,  men."  shouted  Captain  Krskino.  reeovcrinii'  from 
his  first  and  unnvoidahle,  tliouiih  hut  momentary,  surjirise.  "  First  and 
fourth  scftions,  on  your  rijjht  and  left  haekwards  wheel : — Quick,  men,  with- 
in the  S((uare,  for  your  lives."  As  he  spoke,  ho  and  Meutenant  Johnstone 
spratip'  hastily  hack,  aiifl  in  lime  to  olitain  admittance  within  the  troops,  who 
had  rapidly  execute, I  the  niano'uvre  ''oiinnanded.  Not  so  with  Mitchell  and 
his  comp.inions.  On  the  first  alarm  they  had  quitted  the  body  of  the  muti- 
lated ollici  V.  and  flown  to  secure  their  arms,  hut  even  while  in  the  act  of 
stoopii);';  to  take  them  up,  they  ha'l  heen  }i:rap])led  hy  a  powerftd  ami  vindi<^t- 
ive  foe  ;  and  the  fii-st  tlimu'  they  beheld  on  re^;aiiiinjr  tlieir  U[)ri;j;ht  position. 
M'as  a  dusky  Indian  av  the  side,  and  a  fileamiii'.!;  tomahawk  fiashiiifr  rapiilly 
round  (lie  le  ad  ol'  each. 

••  Kii'c  ni(t,  on  y.air  lives  "  exclaimed  Cajitain  Krskine  hastily,  as  he  .saw 
several  if  the  iiieii  in  froni,  levelliii;r.  in  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  their 
muskcis  at  (lie  tlireateniie.',-  sa'.a,'rs.  ••  Prepaj'o  for  attack."  he  pursued  ;  and 
j^  the  ne\(  insl.'int  ea' !i  luaii  dropjicd  on  his  ri;:ht  knee,  and  a  barrier  of 
bri.-tiiiii,' bayonets  s'.i'iii'.d  to  ri.-e  from  tlu?  very  bowels  of  the  earth.  Attracted 
by  the  novelty  o!'  the  sif^dit.  the  )i>ld  and  dariiiu;  warriors,  although  still  retain- 
infv  th(ir  firm  grasp  of  (he  nidiappy  .soldiers,  were  for  a  moment  diverted 
from  their  bloodv-  piirjiose.  ,ind  (eiiijiorarily  suspended  the  fpiiek  and  rotatory 
motion  of  their  weajion-'.  (';ifit:iiii  Krskiiie  toek  advantage  of  this  jiaiise  to 
seize  the  hidbert  of  on-  of  his  .^ergeanl^s,  to  the  extreme  jKiint  of  which  he 
hastily  attached  a  white  pocket  handkerchief,  that  was  loo.sely  thrust  into 


28 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      OR,     T  H  K      J'  R  O  !•  II  K  C  Y 


i^! 


11 


the  breast  of  his  uniform;  this  lie  waved  on  lii^h  three  several  times,  and 
then  relinquishing;,  the  halbcrt,  (Iroi)ped  also  on  his  knee  within  the  s(iuarc. 

•'The  <lo>;;  of  a  Saganaw  asks  for  mercy."  said  a  voice  from  within  the 
bomb-proof,  and  speakin;;;  in  the  dialect  of  the  Ottawas.  '•  Tlis  pale  liaj;'  he- 
speaks  the  quailing  of  his  heart,  and  his  attitude  denotes  the  ♦imiility  of  tiio 
bind.  His  warriors  are  like  himself,  and  even  now  upon  their  knei's  they 
call  upon  their  Alanitou  to  preserve  them  from  the  venwiince  of  the  red- 
skins. Hut  mercy  is  not  for  dojis  like  these.  Now  is  the  time  to  make  our 
tomaha^vks  warm  in  their  blood  ;  iind  every  head  that  we  count  shall  be  a 
scalp  upon  om*  war  poles." 

As  he  ceased,  one  universal  and  portentous  yell  burst  from  tlu^  tiend-like 
band;  and  ag'ain  the  weapons  of  death  were  liercely  brandisheil  around  the 
heads  of  the  stnpllied  soldiei's  who  had  fallen  into  their  ])ower. 

'' What  can  they  be  about  ?"  anxiously  exclaimed  Captain  Krskine,  in  the 
midst  of  this  deafening  clamor,  to  his  siil)altern.  "Quiet,  man;  diinin  you. 
quiet,  or  ['11  cut  you  (iown."  he  pursued,  addressinjr  one  of  his  soldiers,  whose 
impatience  caused  him  to  brinji-  his  nuisket  half  up  to  his  shoulder.  And 
again  he  turned  his  head  in  tiie  diivction  of  the  fort: — "  Thank  (ioil.  here  it 
comes  at  last, — I  feareil  my  sifrnal  had  not.  been  noticed." 

While  he  yet  spoke,  the  loud  ro.arinp;  of  a  cannon  from  the  ramparts  was 
heard,  and  a  shower  of  (rrape-shot  passed  over  the  heads  of  the  detachment, 
!Uid  wa.s  seen  tearing  up  the  earth  around  the  bomb-pi-oof,  and  .scattering 
fragments  of  stone  and  wood  into  the  air.  The  men  simultaneously  and  un- 
bidden gave  three  (.'beers. 

In  an  instant  the  scene  was  changed.  As  if  moved  by  some  mechanical 
impulse,  the  fierce  band  that  lined  the  boml)-proof  sank  below  the  surface, 
and  were  no  longer  visible,  while  the  wari'iors  in  the  forest  again  sought  shel- 
ter behind  the  trees.  The  captured  soldiers  were  also  liberated  without  in- 
jury, so  sudden  and  startling  ha<l  been  the  terror  produced  in  the  sav  ages  by 
the  lightning  Hash  that  announced  its  heavy  messengers  of  destruction.  l)is- 
harge  after  discharge  succeeded  without  intermission  ;  but  the  guns  had 
.  en  levelled  so  high,  to  prevent  injury  to  their  own  men,  they  had  little 
other  ett'ect  than  to  keep  the  Indians  from  the  attack.  The  msh  of  bullets 
through  the  clo.se  forest,  and  the  crashing  of  trees  and  branches  as  they  fell 
with  startling  force  ujion  each  other,  were,  with  the  peals  of  artillery,  the 
only  noises  now  to  be  heard ;  for  not  a  yell,  not  a  word  was  utteied  b}'  the 
Indians  after  the  first  discharge ;  and  but  for  the  ccrtaint;,'  that  existed  in 
every  mind,  it  might  have  been  supposed  the  whole  of  them  had  retired. 

•'  Now  is  your  time."  cried  Captain  Erskine ;  '■  bring  in  the  litter  to  the 
rear,  and  stoop  as  much  as  possible  to  avoi<i  the  shot." 

The  poor  half-strangled  fellows,  however,  instead  of  obeying  the  order  of 
their  captain,  looked  round  in  every  direction  for  the  enemy  ))y  whom  they 
had  been  so  rudely  ha'idled.  and  who  had  glided  I'rom  them  almost  as  impcr- 
ceptily  and  swiftly'  a.-,  they  hnd  at  lirst  approached.  It  .seemed  as  if  they 
apprehended  that  any  attempt  to  remove  the  body  ■  nuld  be  visited  by  those 
fierce  devils  with  the  same  a])palling  and  ferocious  i  liieatenings. 

"'  Why  stand  ye  there,  ye  dolts."  continued  their  cajitain,  "  looking  around 
as  if  ye  were  bewitched  !  IJring  the  litter  into  the  rear.  Afitchell.  you 
fool,  are  you  grown  a  coward  in  your  old  age  ?  Are  you  not  ashamed  to 
set  such  an  example  to  yoiu-  comrades  ?" 

The  doubt  thus  implied  of  the  cour.age  of  his  men,  who,  in  fact,  werl 
merely  stupified  with  the  scene  they  had  gone  through,  had.  as  Captain 
Erskine  expected,  the  desired  effect.  They  now  bent  themselves  to  the  litter,  on 
which  they  had  previously  deposited  their  nuiskcts,  and  with  a  self-possession 
that  contrasted  singularly  with  their  recent  a'r  of  wild  astonishment,  bore  it 
to  the  rear  at  the  risk  of  being  cut  in  two  at  every  moment  by  the  fire  from 
tliC  fort.  One  fierce  yell,  instinctively  proffered  by  several  of  the  lurking  band 
in  the  forest,  marked  their  disajjpointment  and  rage  at  the  escape  of  their 


wacousta;    or,    the    propiikcv 


SU 


10 

V 

r 
a 


victims ;  but  all  attempt  at  uncovering  themselves,  so  as  to  bo  enabled  to  fire, 
was  prevented  T)y  the  additional  showers  of  grape  which  that  yell  immediately 
brought  upon  them. 

The  ])osition  in  which  Captain  Erskino  now  found  himself  was  highly  crit- 
ical. Before  him,  and  on  either  flank,  was  a  multitude  of  savages,  who  only 
awaited  the  cessation  of  the  fire  from  the  fort  to  commence  their  fierce  and 
impetuous  attack,  'that  that  fire  could  not  long  be  sustained  was  evident, 
since  ammunition  could  ill  be  spared  for  the  present  inefficient  purpose,  wliere 
supplies  of  all  kinds  were  so  dillicult  to  be  obtained  ;  and,  if  he  should  attempt 
a  retreat,  the  upright  position  of  his  men  exposed  them  to  the  risk  of  being 
swept  away  by  the  ponderous  metal,  that  alrcaily  fanned  their  cheeks  with 
tlie  air  it  so  rapidly  divided.  Suddenly,  however,  the  fire  from  the  batteries 
was  discontinued,  and  this  he  knew  to  be  a  signal  .'or  himself.  lie  gave  an 
order  in  a  low  voice,  and  the  detachment  (piitted  their  recumbent  and  defen- 
sive position,  still  remaining  formed  in  square.  At  the  same  instant  a  gun 
flashed  from  the  fort ;  but  not  as  before  was  heard  the  rushing  sound  of  the 
destructive  shot  crushing  the  trees  in  its  resistless  course.  The  Indians  took 
courage  at  this  circumstance,  for  they  deemed  the  bullets  of  their  enemies 
wore  cxiHJiided  ;  und  that  they  were  merely  discharging  their  powder  to  keep 
up  the  apprehension  originally  produced.  Again  they  showed  themselves, 
like  so  many  demons,  from  behind  their  lurking  places  ;  and  yells  and  shouit> 
of  the  most  terrific  and  threatening  character  once  more  rent  the  air,  and 
echoed  through  the  woods.  Their  cries  of  anticipated  triumph  were,  however, 
of  short  duration.  Presently,  a  hissing  noise  was  heard  in  the  air ;  and  close 
to  the  bomb-proof,  and  at  the  very  skirt  of  the  forest,  they  beheld  a  huge 
globe  of  iron  fall  peipendicular iy  to  the  earth,  to  the  outer  part  of  which  was 
attached  what  they  suiiposed  to  be  a  reed,  that  spat  forth  innumerable  sparks 
of  fire,  withmit  however,  seeming  to  threaten  the  slightest  injury.  Attracted 
l>y  the  novel  sight,  a  dozen  warriors  sprang  to  the  spot,  and  fastened  their 
gaze  upon  it  with  all  the  childish  wonder  and  curiosity  of  men  in  a  savage 
state.  One,  more  eager  Liid  restless  than  his  fellows,  stooped  over  it  to  feel 
with  his  hand  of  what  it  was  composed.  At  that  moment  it  burst,  and  limbs, 
and  heads,  and  entrails,  were  seen  flying  in  the  air,  with  the  fragments  of  the 
shell,  and  prostrate  and  sti-uggling  forms  lay  writhing  on  every  hand  in  the 
last,  fierce  agonies  of  death. 

A  yell  of  despair  and  a  shout  of  trimnph  burst  at  the  same  moment  from 
the  adverse  parties.  Taking  advantage  of  the  terror  produced,  by  this  catas- 
iroplie,  in  the  savages,  v'aptain  Erskinc  caused  the  men  bearing  the  corpse  to 
retreat,  with  all  possible  expedition,  imder  the  ramparts  of  the  fort.  He 
waited  until  they  got  nearly  half  way,  and  thon  threw  forward  the  wheeling 
sections,  that  had  covered  this  movement,  once  more  into  single  file,  in  which 
order  he  commenced  his  retreat.  Step  by  step,  and  almost  imperceptibly ,  the 
men  paced  backwards,  re;uly,  at  a  moment's  notice,  to  re-form  the  squi^re. 
Partly  re(;overing  from  the  ivrror  and  surpri:;e  produced  by  the  bursting  of 
the  shell,  the  Indians  were  quick  in  perceiving  this  movement :  filled  with  rage 
at  having  been  so  long  balkod  of  their  aim.  they  threw  themselves  once  more 
impetuously  from  their  cover;  and.  with  stinmlaf.ing  yells,  at  length  opened 
their  fire.  Several  of  Captain  Erskine's  men  were  woimded  by  this  discharge ; 
when,  again,  and  furiously  the  cannon  opened  from  the  fort.  It  was  then 
that  the  superiority  of  tiie  artillery  was  made  n)dnifest.  Both  right  and  left 
of  the  retreating  files  the  ponderous  shot  flew  iieavily  past,  carrying  death 
and  terror  to  the  Indians :  while  not  a  man  of  those  who  intervened  was 
scatlied  oi-  touched  in  its  progress.  The  warriors  in  the  forest  were  once 
morecomjielled  to  shelter  tliemselves  behind  the  trees;  but  in  the  bomb-proof, 
whei-e  the}'  were  more  secure,  they  were  also  more  hold.  From  this  a  galling 
fire,  mingled  with  the  most  hideous  yells,  was  now  kept  up  ;  and  the  detach- 
ment, in  their  slow  retreat,  suli'ererl considerably.  Several  men  had  been  kill- 
ed; and.  about;  twenty,  iucbidinj;-  Ijieutemuil  Jojmstone,  wounded,  when  again 


80 


\V  A  (!  o  i:  s  r  A 


I)  K 


r  II  r.    V  r.  o  i*  ii  i;  (  v 


one  (jf  tl»f)so  niiinl'jrous  p,!oh(s  IMl.  hissinp  in  Uk'  vci v  niiiv  ■  <il'  {\v  Iioinb- 
proof.  In  an  instant,  the  Indian  lire  whs  discantinuod  ;  and  Iht.'iv  dui-k  iind 
plifint  forms  wei'M  swni  hnrryin;^  witji  silmosl  ini'redible  ra))i(lity  over  the  di- 
lapidaiod  walls,  and  flyins?  into  the  very  licart  of  the  forest,  so  liiut  when  the 
shell  c  .\i)loded.  ii  fi-w  seconds  aflei'wards.  not  a  warrior  was  to  be  swii.  Kvoni 
this  jnoHicnt  the  attark  was  not  renewed,  and  Captain  Erskim;  made  tDod  his 
retrciil  without  further  molestation. 

"  Will,  old  buffers!"  exclaimed  one  of  the  leadinfr  files. us  the  detaelmient. 
preceded  by  its  dead  and  woniided,  now  moved  alonjr  themout  in  the  direction 
of  the  draw-l)ridjEre,  "  how  did  you  like  the  jTrij)  of  them  red  savaues  ? — I 
cay,  Mitciiell,  old  Nick  will  seartr'l}-  know  the  iaee  of  you.  it's  so  much  alter- 
ed by  friuht.  Did  you  .^ec,"  turning;  to  the  man  in  his  rear,  "  how  Imrum- 
scciruTii  h.'  looked,  when  the  captain  called  out  to  him  to  come  otl'.'" 

"  Held  your  clapiH^r,  you  s])ooney,  and  Ik-  d d  to  you  !"  exclaimed  the 

angr)  veteran.  "  Mad  t!n>  liiuiuu  fastened  his  paw  on  )'otu'  )i<rly  neck  as  he 
did  upon  mine,  all  the  pitiful  life  your  niotlier  put  into  you  would  have  boeu 
spirited  away  from  very  fear ;  so  you  needn't  braf!,' !" 

"  Sure,  and  if  any  of  ye  had  a  ajrain  of  spunk,  yo  would  have  tired,  and 
frcwl  a  fellow  from  the  clutch  of  them  Injrin  thieves,"  nnittered  another  of 
the  men  at  th'!  litter.  '•  All  the  time  the  ilevil  had  nie  l)y  the  throat,  .swing- 
ing his  tomiuyhawk  about  my  liead,  I  saw  ye  dancing  uj)  and  down  in  the 
heavens,  instead  of  being  on  your  marrow  bones  on  the  common." 

"And  didn't  T  want  to  do  it?"  rejoined  the  first  speaker.  "Ask  Tom 
Winkler  here,  if  the  captain  didn't  swear  he'd  cut  my  head  oil"  if  T  even  offer- 
ed .so  nnich  as  to  touch  the  trigger  of  my  musket." 

"  Faith,  and  lucky  ho  did,"  replied  liis  covering  man.  ^for  tlu!  ranks  had 
ag<ain  joined),  •'  since  bnt  for  that,  there  wouldn't  be  jjt  this  moment  so  mucli 
as  a  hair  of  the  scalp  of  one  you  left." 

''  By  p'acious,"  said  a  pood-hnmor*il,  quaint  looking  Irishman,  who  liad 
been  fixing  his  eyes  on  the  litter  during  thi.s  <;olloquy ;  "  it  sames  to  me,  hiy 
boys,  that  ye  have  caught  the  wrong  <.'ow  by  the  horns,  and  that  all  your 
pains  has  been  for  nothing  at  all.  at  all.  \\y  the  ])0])e.  yc  are  all  wrong;  it's 
like  bringing  salt  butter  to  Cork,  or  coals  to  your  Newcastle,  as  ye  call  it. 
Who  the  divil  ever  heard  of  the  ofhcer  wearing  ammunition  shoes'?" 

The  men  all  turned  their  gaze  on  that  part  of  the  vestment  of  the  corp.se 
to  wliich  their  attention  had  been  directed  by  this  remark,  wlien  it  was  a'.' 
once  j)erceived,  although  it  had  hitherto  escaped  the  observation  even  of  tht 
officers,  that,  not  only  the  shoes  were  those  usually  worn  by  the  .soldiers,  ana 
termed  annmniition  or  store  shoes,  but  also,  the  trow.sers  were  of  the  descrip 
tion  of  coarse  grey,  peculiar  to  tliat  class. 

"  By  the  piper  and  ye're  right,  Dick  Doherty,"  exclaimed  another  Irish- 
man ;  "  sure,  and  it  isn't  the  officer  at  all  !  Just  look  at  the  great  black  fi.st 
of  him  too,  and  never  call  me  Phil  Slieban,  if  it  ever  was  made  for  the  hand- 
ling of  an  officer's  .spit." 

"  What  a  set  of  hignoranmses  ye  must  be,"  grunted  old  Mitchell,  "  not  to 
see  that  the  captain's  hand  is  only  covered  with  dirt ;  and  a.s  for  the  ammu- 
nition shoes  and  trowsers,  v/hy  you  know  your  officers  wear  anything  since 
we  have  been  cooped  up  in  this  here  fort." 

"  Yes,  l>y  the  holy  poker,  off  d\ity,  if  they  like  it,"  returned  Phil  Sheban  ; 
"  but  it  isn't  even  the  colonel's  own  born  son  that  dare  to  do  so  while  officer 
of  the  guard." 

At  this  point  of  their  conversation,  one  of  the  leading  men  at  the  litter,  in 
turning  to  look  at  its  subject,  stumbled  over  the  root  of  a  stumi)  that  lay  in 
his  way.  and  fell  violently  forward.  The  sudden  action  destroyed  the  eijuili- 
brium  of  the  corp.-;e.  which  rolled  off  its  temporary  bier  upon  the  earth,  and 
di.sclosed,  for  the  first  time,  a  face  begrimed  with  masses  of  clotted  blood, 
which  had  streamed  forth  from  the  sclaped  brain  during  the  night. 

"It's  the  divil  himself,"  .s:'.id  IMiil  Sheliau,  making  the  sign  of  the  cross,  half 


rl 


W  A  (•  O  U  S  T  A  ;      ()  U  ,     T  II  K     1'  K  '>  J"  H   K  t;  V 


31 


in  jL'st.  !i:ilf  i-,1  c'iiviicst :  "for  it  i.^ii'l  the  ''aiitiiiii  at.  nil.  imd  who  but  llic  divil 
couki  hiivo  iiiaiiaircti  to  clap  on  liis  ri^iiiu'iitiils  ?" 

"  No,  it's  an  liij-vian,"  ivniarkotl  l)ic'i<  linrford.  sa;j,nciously  ;  "it's  an  Indian 
that  has  kilU'd  tlie  captain,  and  (h'csscd  himself  in  his  <;lotht's.  T  tlioujrht  he 
smelt  stronf;',  when  I  helped  to  pick  him  up." 

'"What  a  set  of  iji-ating  fools  ye  are,"  interrupted  the  leadinjr  scrfjuant ; 
"  who  ever  saw  an  Ingian  with  lij-ht  liair  ?  and  sure  this  hair  in  the  neck  is 
that  of  a  ('hristian." 

At  that  moment  Captain  Erskine.  attracted  by  the  sudden  halt  produced 
by  the  falling  of  the  body,  came  cpiickly  up  to  the  ffont. 

"  What  is  the  meaninj;  of  all  this,  t'assidy  ?"  he  sternly  demanded  of  the 
serpieant ;  "  why  is  tliis  halt  without  lu}-  orders,  and  how  conies  the  body 
here  ?" 

"  Carter  stunihled  against  a  root,  sir.  and  the  body  rolled  over  upon  the 
ground." 

''And  was  the  body  to  roll  back  anjain?"  angrily  rejoined  liis  captain. 
"  AVhat  mean  ye,  fellows,  by  stan<ling  there ;  quick,  replace  it  ujion  the  litter, 
and  mind  this  (h)es  not  occur  again." 

■'  They  say.  sir,"  said  the  sergeant.  resi)cctfully,  as  the  men  proceode'l  to 
their  duty.  "'  tliat  it  is  not  Captain  de  llaldimar  after  all.  Init  an  Ingian." 

''.Not  Caj)tain  de  Ihildimar!  are  ve  all  mad  ?  and  have  the  Indians,  in  re- 
ality, turned  your  brains  with  fear  ?". 

Wliat,  however,  was  his  own  surprise,  and  that  of  IJentenant  Johnstone, 
when,  on  a  closer  examination  of  the  corpse,  which  the  men  had  now  placed 
with  its  face  uppermost,  they  discovered  the  bewildering  fact  that  it  was  not, 
indeed,  Captain  de  Ilaldiniar  who  lay  before  them,  but  a  stranger,  dressed  in 
the  unifoi-m  of  that  officer. 

There  was  no  time  to  solve,  or  even  to  dwell  on  the  singular  mystery ;  for 
the  Indians,  though  now  retired,  might  be  expected  to  rally  and  renew  the 
attack.  Once  more,  therefore,  the  (letachment  moved  forward  ;  the  officers 
dropping  as  before  to  the  rear,  to  watch  any  movements  of  the  enemy  should 
he  re-appear.  Nothing,  however,  occurred  to  interrupt  their  march  ;  and  in 
a  few  minutes  the  heavy  clanking  of  the  chains  of  the  drawbridge,  as  it  was 
again  raised  by  its  strong  iiulleys,  and  the  dull  creaking  sound  of  the  rusty 
bolts  and  locks  that  secured  the  ponderous  gate,  announced  the  detachment 
Wius  once  more  sai'ely  within  the  fort. 

While  the  wounded  men  were  being  conveyed  to  the  hospital,  a  group, 
comprising  almost  all  the  officers  of  the  garrison,  hastened  to  meet  Captain 
Erskine  and  Lieutenant  Johnstone.  Congratulations  on  the  escape  of  the 
one,  and  compliments,  rather  than  condolences,  on  the  accident  of  the  other, 
which  the  arm  en  echarpe  denoted  to  be  slight,  were  hastily  and  warmly 
proffered.  These  felicitations  were  the  genuine  ebullitions  of  the  hearts  of 
men  who  really  felt  a  pride,  unmixed  with  Jealousy,  in  the  conduct  of  their 
fellows ;  and  so  cool  and  excellent  had  been  the  manner  in  which  Cajitain 
Erskine  had  accomplished  his  object,  that  it  had  claimed  the  undivided  ad- 
miration of  all  who  had  been  spectators  of  the  allair.  and  had.  with  the  aid 
of  their  telescopes,  been  enabled  to  follow  the  minutest  movements  of  the  de- 
tachment. 

"  By  heaven  !"  lie  at  length  replied,  his  chest  swelling  with  gratified  pride 
at  the  warm  and  generous  approval  of  his  companions  ;  "  this  more  than  re- 
pays me  for  every  risk.  Yet,  to  be  sincere,  the  credit  is  not  mine,  but  Wcnt- 
worth's.  But  for  you,  my  dear  fellow."  grasping  ami  shaking  the  hand  of 
tliat  officer.  '  we  should  have  rendered  but  a  Flemish  account  of  ourselves. 
IIow  beautifully  those  guns  covered  our  retreat !  anil  the  first  mortar  that 
sent  the  howling  devils  flying  in  air  like  so  manv  Will-o'the-wisiis.  who  jiLiced 
that,  AVentworth  ?" 

"  T  did."  replied  the  officer.  M'ith  a  (juickness  Ihat  denoted  a  natural  feeling 
of  exultation  ;  "but  Bombardier  Kitson's  was*tl)o  most  efibctive.     Ft  was  hig 


33 


«  A  c  ()  u  s  r  A  ;    OK,    i  h  i;    i'  u  o  !•  ii  k  c  y  , 


M 


yi 


slioll  (li!il  tirovo  tliu  Imliiins  tiimlly  (tut  of  Hit'  homb-proof,  and  loft  the  coast 
ok'iir  for  your  retrtiit." 

'•Then  Kit.son,  and  his  gunners  also,  merit  our  host  thanks,"  pursued 
Captain  Krskiue,  wlioso  spirits,  now  that  his  detachment  was  in  safety,  were 
niOH!  than  usually  exhilarated  by  the  exciting  events  of  the  last  hour  ;  ''and 
wliat  will  be  more  acceptable,  perhaps,  they  shall  each  have  a  ^lass  of  my 
b(!st  old  Jamaica  before  they  sleep, — and  such  stuif  is  not  to  be  met  with 
every  day  in  this  wilderness  of  a  .'ouutry.  15ut,  confound  my  stujiid  head  ! 
where  are  Charles  de  llaliliinnr  ami  Sir  Everard  valletort?" 

'•  I'oor  Charles  is  in  a  hiuh  fever,  and  conOned  to  his  bed."  remarked 
Captain  Ulessiu.siton.  wlio  now  catne  up,  ad(lin<;  his  contrratulations  in  a  low 
tone,  that  marked  the  desponilency  of  his  heart;  ''ancl  Sir  Everard  I  have 
ju>t  left  on  the  rampart  with  the  company,  lookiufi',  as  he  well  may,  the  very 
UTia,src  of  des]>air." 

"Run  to  ihem.  Sumners,  my  dear  boy,"  said  Erskine.  hastily  addressing 
himself  to  a  yoimg  ensign  who  stood  near  him ;  "  run  quickly,  and  relieve 
them  of  their  error.  Say  it  is  not  l)e  llaldimar  who  ha.s  been  killed,  therefore 
they  need  not  make  themselves  any  longer  uneasy  on  that  score."  The  ofll- 
cers  gave  a  start'  of  surprise.  Sumners,  however,  hastened  to  accpiit  himself 
of  the  pleasing  Ui.<k  assigned  him,  without  waiting  to  hear  the  explanation  of 
the  singular  (ieclariition. 

"Not  De  Jlah'.iiiir !"' eagerly  and  anxiously  exclaimed  Captain  Ulessing- 
ton  ;  "who  then  lia\o  you  brought  to  \\y  in  his  uniform,  which  I  clearly  dis- 
tinguished from  the  rampart  as  you  passed  ?  Surely  you  would  not  tamper 
with  us  at  such  a  moment.  Plrskine?" 

'■  Who  it  is,  I  know  no  more  than  Adam,"  rejoined  the  other ;  '•  unless,  in- 
deed, it  be  the  devil  himself.  All  1  do  know,  is,  it  is  not  our  friend  De  llaldi- 
mar ;  although,  as  you  observe,  he  most  certainly  wears  his  uniform.  But 
you  shall  see  and  Judge  for  yonrselvei;,  gentlemen.  Sergeant  Cassidy."  he  in- 
quired of  that  individual,  who  now  came  to  ask  if  the  detachment  was  to  be 
disniis.sed.  "  where  have  you  placed  the  litter  ?" 

"  Under  the  piazza  of  the  guard-room,  sir,"  answered  the  seargent.  These 
words  had  scarcely  been  uttered,  when  a  general  and  hasty  movement  of  the 
officers,  anxious  to  satisfy  themselves  by  personal  observation  it  was  not  in- 
deed De  llaldimar  who  had  fallen,  took  place  in  the  direction  alluded  to,  and 
in  the  next  moment  they  were  at  the  side  of  the  litter. 

A  blanket  had  been  thrown  upon  the  corpse  to  conceal  the  loath.some  di.s- 
figurcment  of  the  face,  over  which  masses  of  thick  coagulated  blood  were  laid 
in  pjitches  and  streaks,  that  set  all  recognition  at  defiance.  The  formation  of 
the  head  alone,  which  was  round  and  short,  denoted  it  to  be  not  De  Ilaldi- 
mar's.  Not  a  feature  was  left  undefiled  ;  and  even  the  eyes  were  so  covered, 
it  was  impossible  to  say  whether  their  lids  were  closed  or  open.  More  than 
one  officer's  cheek  paled  with  the  sickness  that  rose  to  his  heart  as  he  gazed 
on  the  hideous  spectacle ;  yet  as  the  curiosity  of  all  was  stronly  excited  to 
know  who  the  murdered  man  really  was  who  had  been  so  unaccountably  in- 
ducted in  the  uniform  of  their  lost  companion,  they  were  resolved  to  satisfy 
themselves  without  further  delay.  A  basin  of  warm  water  and  a  sponge  were 
procured  from  the  guard-room  of  Ensign  Fortescue,  who  now  joined  them, 
and  with  the.se  Captain  Bles,sington  proceeded  to  remove  the  di.sguise. 

In  the  cour.se  of  this  lavation,  it  was  discovered  the  extraordinary  flow  of 
blood  and  bruins  had  been  produced  by  the  infliction  of  a  deep  wound  on  the 
back  of  the  head,  by  the  sliarp  and  ponderous  tomahawk  of  an  Indian.  It 
wtus  the  only  blow  that  had  been  given  ;  and  the  circumstance  of  the  deceased 
having  been"  found  lying  on  his  face,  accounted  for  the  quantity  of  gore,  that, 
trickling  downwards,  liad  so  completelj-  disguised  every  feature.  As  the  coat 
of  thick  encrusted  matter  ga\e  way  b'eneath  the  frequent  application  of  the 
moistening  sponge,  the  pallid  hm;  of  the  countenance  denoted  the  murdered 
man  to  be  a  wliite.     All  doubt,  however,  was  soon  at  an  end.    The  ammuni- 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      I)  1!  ,     T  II  K     P  R  0  P  II  K  C  Y  . 


33 


tion  shoes,  tho  yrey  tiowscrs,  the  coarse  linen,  and  the  stiff  leathern  stock  on- 
circling  the  neck,  attested  the  sufferer  to  be  a  soldier  of  the  garrison  ;  but  it 
was  not  until  the  face  had  been  completely  denuded  of  its  unsightly  covering, 
and  e ,  ery  feature  fully  exposed,  that  that  soldier  was  at  length  recognized  to 
be  Harry  Donellan,  the  trusty  and  attached  servant  of  Captain  do  Ilaldiinar. 

While  yet  the  officers  stood  apart,  gazing  at  the  corpse,  and  forming  a 
variety  of  conjectures,  as  vague  as  they  were  unsatisfactory,  in  regard  to  their 
now  mystery.  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  pale  and  breathless  with  the  speed  he 
had  >iso<l,  suddenly  appeared  among  them. 

"  God  of  heaVcn  !  can  it  be  true — i',nd  is  it  really  not  De  Haldimar  whom  I 
have  shot  ?"  wildly  asked  the  agitatetl  ydrng  man.  '•  Who  is  this,  Erskino "?" 
he  continued,  glancing  at  the  litter.    "  Explain,  for  pity  sake,  and  quickly." 

"Compose  yourself,  my  dear  Valletort,"  replied  the  officer  addressed. 
"  You  see  this  is  not  Do  Haldimar,  but  his  servant  Donellan.  Neither  has  the 
latter  met  his  death  from  your  rifle ;  there  is  no  mark  of  a  bullet  about  him. 
It  was  an  Indian  tomahawk  that  did  his  business ;  and  I  will  stake  my  head 
against  a  hickory  nut  the  blow  came  from  the  same  rascal  at  whom  you  fired, 
and  who  gave  back  the  shot  and  the  .scalp  halloo." 

This  opinion  was  unanimously  expressed  by  the  remainder  of  the  officers. 
Sir  Everard  was  almost  as  much  overpowered  with  his  joy,  as  ho  had  pre- 
viously been  overwhelmed  by  his  dispair,  and  he  grasped  and  shook  the  hand 
of  Captain  Erskine,  who  had  thus  been  the  means  of  relieving  his  conscience, 
with  an  energy  of  gratitude  and  feeling  that  almost  flrew  tears  from  the  eyes 
of  that  blunt  but  gallant  officer. 

"  Thank  God  !  thank  God  !"  he  fervently  exclaimed :  "  I  have  not  then  even 
the  death  of  poor  Donella  ■»  to  answer  for ;"  and  hastening  from  the  guard- 
room, he  pursued  his  course  hurriedly  and  delightedly  to  the  barrack-room  of 
his  friend. 


CHAPTER  V. 

The  hour  fixed  for  the  trial  of  the  prisoner  Halloway  had  now  arrived,  and 
the  officers  composing  the  court  were  all  met  in  the  mess-room  of  the  garri- 
son, surrounding  a  long  green  table  covered  with  green  cloth,  over  which  were 
distributed  pens,  ink,  and  paper  for  taking  minutes  of  the  evidence,  and  such 
notes  of  the  proceedings  as  the  several  members  might  deem  necessary  in  the 
course  of  the  trial.  Captain  Biessington  presided ;  and  next  him,  on  either 
hand,  were  the  first  in  seniority,  the  two  junior  occupying  the  lowest  places. 
The  demeanor  of  the  several  officers,  serious  and  befitting  the  duty  they  were 
met  to  perform,  was  rendered  more  especially  solemn  from  the  presence  of  the 
governor,  who  sitting  a  little  to  the  right  of  the  president,  and  without  the  circle, 
remained  covered  with  his  arms  folded  across  his  chest.  At  a  signal  given  by 
the  president  to  the  orderly  in  waiting,  that  individual  disappeared  from  the 
room,  and  soon  afterwards  Frank  Halloway,  strongly  ironed,  as  on  the  pre- 
ceding night,  was  ushered  in  by  several  files  of  the  guard,  under  Ensign 
Fortescue  himself 

The  prisoner  having  been  stationed  a  few  paces  on  the  left  of  the  president^ 
that  officer  stood  up  to  administer  the  customary  oath.  His  example  was  fol- 
lowed by  the  rest  of  the  court,  who  now  rose,  and  extending  each  his  righf; 
hand  upon  the  prayer  book,  repeated,  after  the  president,  the  form  of  words 
prescribed  by  military  law.  They  then,  after  successively  touching  the  sacred 
volume  with  their  lips,  once  more  resumed  tiicir  seats  at  the  table. 

The  prosecutor  was  the  Adjutant  Lawson.  who  now  handed  over  to  the 
president  a  paper,  from  which  the  latter  officer  read,  in  a  clear  and  distinct 
voice,  the  following  chargo,«,  viz. — 
3 


-X. 


f^F^ 


34 


WAC0U8TA;  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


,    I 


« Ifrt.  For ; 


the 


t  of  the  — th  September,  1763,  while  on  duty 
at  the  gate  of  the  Fortrops  of  Detroit,  cither  admitted  a  stranger  into  the 
garriflon  iiimself,  or  Ruffercd  him  to  obtain  adminsion.  without  Riving  the 
alarm,  or  uning  the  means  nece8Harv  to  ensure  his  appronension,  such  condticl 
being  treasonable,  and  in  breach  of  the  articles  of  war. 

"  2d.  For  having  been  accessory  to  the  abduction  of  Captain  Frederick  do 
Haldimnr  and  private  Harry  Donellan,  the  disappearance  of  whom  from  the 
garrison  can  only  bo  attributed  to  a  secret  understanding  existing  between  the 
prisoner  and  the  enemy  without  the  walls,  such  conduct  being  treasonable,  and 
in  breach  of  the  articles  of  war." 

"  Private  Frank  Halloway,"  continued  Captain  Ble-ssington,  after  having 
read  these  two  short  but  important  charges,  "  you  have  heard  what  has 
been  preferred  against  you ;  what  say  you,  tnereforo  1  Are  you  guilty,  or 
not  guilty  ?" 

"  Not  guilty,"  firmly  and  somewhat  exultingly  replied  the  prisoner,  laying 
his  hand  ut  the  same'time  on  his  swelling  heart. 

"  Stay,  sir,"  sternly  observed  the  governor,  addressing  the  president ;  you 
have  not  read  all  the  charges." 

Captain  Blessington  took  up  the  paper  from  the  table,  on  which  ho  had 
carelessly  thrown  it,  after  reading  the  accusations  above  detailed,  and  perceived, 
for  the  first  time,  that  a  portion  had  been  doubled  back.  His  oy  ■  now 
^ance<l  over  a  third  charge,  which  had  previously  escaped  his  attention. 

"  Prisoner,"  ho  pursued,  after  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  '•  there  is  a  third 
charge  against  you,  viz.  for  having,  on  the  night  of  the  — th  Sept.  1763,  suf- 
fered Captain  de  Haldimar  to  unclose  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  and  accompa- 
nied by  his  servant,  private  Harry  Uonellan,  to  pass  your  post  without  tho 
sanction  of  the  governor,  such  conduct  being  in  direct  violation  of  a  standing 
order  of  the  garrison,  and  punishable  with  death." 

The  prisoner  started.  "  What  !V  he  exclaimed,  his  check  paling  for  tho  first 
time  with  momentary  api)rehension ;  "  is  this  voluntary  confession  of  my  own 
to  be  turned  into  a  charge  that  threatens  my  life  ?  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  is 
the  explanation  which  I  gave  you  only  this  very  hour,  and  in  private,  to  be 
made  the  public  instrument  of  my  condemnation  ?  Am  I  to  die  because  I 
had  not  firmness  to  resist  the  prayer  of  my  captain  and  of  your  son,  Colonel 
de  Hiddimar  ?" 

The  president  looked  towards  the  governor,  but  a  significant  motion  of  the 
head  was  the  only  reply  ;  he  proceeded, — 

"  Prisoner  Halloway,  what  plead  you  to  this  charge  ?  Guilty,  or  not 
guilty  ?" 

"  I  see  plainly,"  said  Halloway,  after  the  pause  of  a  minute,  during  which 
he  appeared  to  be  summoning  all  his  energies  to  his  aid  ;  "  [  see  plainly  that 
it  is  useless  to  strive  against  my  fate.  Captain  de  Haldimar  is  not  here,  and 
I  must  die.  Still  I  shall  not  have  the  disgrace  of  dying  as  a  traitor,  though 
I  own  I  have  violated  the*  orders  of  the  garri.son." 

"  Prisoner,"  interrupted  Captain  Blessington,  "  whatever  you  maj-  have  to 
urge,  you  had  better  reserve  for  your  defence.  Meanwhile,  what  answer  do 
you  make  to  the  last  charge  ])referrcd  ? — Are  3'ou  guilty,  or  not  guilty  ?" 

"  Guilty."  saiil  Halloway,  in  a  tone  of  mingled  ])ride  and  sorrow,  "  guilty 
of  having  listened  to  the  earnest  prayer  of  my  captain,  and  suffered  him,  in 
vielation  of  my  orders,  to  pass  my  post.     Of  the  other  charges  I  am  innocent." 

The  court  listened  with  the  most  profound  attention  and  interest  to  the 
words  of  the  prisoner,  and  they  glanced  at  each  other  in  a  manner  that  marked 
their  sense  of  the  truth  they  attached  to  his  delaration. 

"  Halloway,  prisoner,"  resumed  Captain  Blessington,  mildly,  yet  impress-' 
ively  ;  recollect  the  severe  penalty  A\'hich  the  third  charge,  no  less  than  the 
others,  entails,  and  recall  your  admission.  Be  advised  by  me,"  ho  pursued, 
observing  his  hesitation.  '•  Withdraw  your  plea,  then,  and  substitute  that  of 
not  guilty  to  the  wlioli.'." 


waoovsta;  on,  thi  prophkoy, 


"  Oftptain  61e!)flington,"  rctiimod  tite  prinoncr  with  deep  otnotion,  "  I  ftel 
all  the  RmdnOTH  of  your  motiTu  j  and  if  anything  can  conHolo  me  in  my  pre- 
sent Hituation,  it  in  the  circumstiincu  of  liaving  ()iTHiding  at  my  trial  an  omoer 
so  universally  beloved  by  the  whole  corps.  Still,"  and  again  hm  voice  ac- 
quired its  wonted  firmness,  and  his  cheolt  glowed  with  honest  pride,  "  still,  t 
scorn  to  retract  my  words.  Of  the  two  first  chargeK  I  am  as  innocent  as  tM 
babe  unborn.  To  the  last  I  plead  guiltjy  ;  nnd  vniu  would  it  be  to  say  other- 
wise, since  the  gate  was  found  open  while  I  was  on  duty,  and  I  know  tb* 
penalty  attached  to  the  disobedience  of  orders." 

After  some  further  but  ineffectual  remonstrances  on  the  part  of  the  preri* 
dent,  the  pleas  of  the  prisoner  were  rcconled,  and  the  examination  commenced. 
Governor  de  Hnldimar  was  the  first  witness.    . 

That  officer,  having  been  sworn,  state<l,  that  on  the  preceding  night  he  had 
been  intruded  upon  in  his  apartment  by  a  stranger,  who  could  have  obtained 
admission  only  through  the  gate  of  the  fortress,  by  which  also  he  must  havw 
made  good  his  escape.    That  it  was  evident  the  prisoner  had  been  in  oorrofr 

Eondenco  with  their  enemies  ;  since,  on  proceeding  to  examine  the  gate  it  had 
een  foun«l  unlocked,  while  the  confusion  manifested  by  him  on  being  accused, 
satisfied  all  who  were  present  of  the  enormity  of  his  guilt.  Search  had  beeii< 
made  everywhere  for  the  keys,  but  without  success. 

The  second  charge  was  supported  by  pi-esumptive  evidence  alone  ;  for  al- 
though the  governor  swore  to  the  disappearance  of  his  son,  and  the  murder 
of  his  servant,  and  dwelt  emphatically  on  the  fact  of  their  haying  been  forci- 
bly carried  off  with  the  connivance  of  the  prisoner,  still  there  was  no  other 
proof  of  this,  than  the  deductions  drawn  from  the  circumstances  already  de- 
tailed.   To  meet  this  difficulty,  however,  the  third  charge  had  been  framed. 

In  proof  of  this  the  governor  stated,  "  that  the  prisoner,  on  being  interro- 
gated by  him  immediately  subsequent  to  his  lieing  relieved  from  his  post,  had 
evinced  such  confusion  and  hesitation,  us  to  leave  no  doubt  whatever  of  his 
guilt ;  that,  influenced  by  the  half  promise  of  commitnication,  which  the  court 
had  heard  as  well  as  himself,  he  had  suffered  the  trial  of  the  prisoner  to  b* 
delayed  until  the  present  hour,  strongly  hoping  he  might  then  be  induced  t© 
reveal  the  share  he  had  borne  'n  these  unworthy  and  treasonable  practices ; 
that,  with  a  view  to  obtain  this  disclosure,  so  essential  to  the  safety  of  the 
garrison,  he  had,  conjointly  with  Major  Blackwatcr,  visited  the  cell  of  the 
prisoner,  to  whom  he  related  the  fact  of  the  murder  of  Donellan,  in  the  dis- 
guise of  his  master's  uniform,  conjurin;^  him,  at  the  same  time,  if  ho  regarded 
his  own  life,  and  the  safety  of  those  who  were  most  dear  to  him,  to  give  a 
clue  to  the  solution  of  this  mysterious  circumstance,  and  disclose  the  nature 
and  extent  of  his  connection  ^vith  the  enemy  without ;  that  the  prisoner  how- 
ever resolutely  denied,  as  before,  the  guilt  imputed  to  him,  but  having  had 
time  to  concoct  a  plausible  story,  stated,  (donbtlcss  with  a  view  to  shi^ 
himself  from  the  severe  punishment  he  well  knew  to  be  attached  to  his  of- 
fence.) that  Captain  de  ^aldimar  himself  had  removed  the  ke)'s  from  th» 
guara-room,  opened  the  gate  of  the  forti-ess,  and  accompanied  by  his  servant^ 
dressed  in  a  colored  coat,  had  sallied  forth  upon  the  common.  And  this,  em^ 
phatically  pvmsued  the  governor,  the  pi-isoner  admits  he  permitted,  although 
well  aware  that,  by  an  order  of  long  stjinding  for  the  security  of  the  garrisoo. 
such  a  flagrant  dereliction  of  his  duty  suhjected  him  to  the  punishment  of 
death. 

Major  Blackwater  was  the  next  witness  examined.  His  testimony  wentta 
prove  the  fact  of  the  gate  having  been  found  open,  and  the  confusion  main* 
fested  by  the  prisoner.  It  also  substantiated  that  part  of  the  governor's 
evidence  on  the  third  charge,  Svhich  related  to  the  confession  recently  made 
by  Halloway,  on  which  that  charge  had  been  framed. 

The  sergeant  of  the  guard,  and  the  governor's  orderly  having  severally 
oorroborated  the  first  portions  of  Major  Blackwater's  evidence,  the  examina*- 
tion  on  the  part  of  the  prosecution  terminated ;  when  the  president  called  <m 


wacovbta;  or,  the  prophicy, 


the  prisoner  Halloway  for  \m  dufence.    The  latter,  in  a  clear,  Arm,  and  ool 
1eote<l  tone,  and  in  terinN  that  Hurprincd  hi5i  auditory,  thiui  addrcNHod   tho 
Court : — 

"  Mr.  Prc«idcnt,  iind  Kontlemen, — Although  standing  before  you  in  tho  ca- 
pacity of  a  private  soldier,  and,  oh  !  bitter  and  humiliating  retlcction,  in  that 
most  wretched  and  disgraceful  of  all  situations,  a  suspected  traitor,  I  nin  not 
indeed  what  I  seem  to  bo.  It  is  not  for  mo  here  to  enter  into  tho  liistory  of 
my  post  life ;  jieithcr  will  I  tarnish  the  hitherto  unsulliinl  reputation  ol  my 
fomiiy  by  disclosing  my  true  name.  SutJlce  it  to  observe,  I  am  a  gentleman 
by  birth ;  iuid  iilthougli,  of  late  years,  I  have  known  all  tho  hardships  and 
privations  attendniit  on  my  fallen  Ibrtumis,  I  was  once  used  to  bask  in  the 
lu.\urics  of  ailliioiico.  and  to  l<>()k  upon  thc'^o  who  now  preside  in  judgment 
over  me  as  my  equals.  A  marriage  of  all'wition, — a  marriage  with  oius  who 
had  nothing  but  her  own  virtues  and  her  own  beauty  to  rccomnienil  her, 
drew  upon  mo  the  displeasure  of  my  fami'y,  and  tho  little  I  possessed,  inde- 
pendently of  the  pleasure  of  my  relations,  was  soon  dissipated.  My  proud 
soul  scorned  all  thought  of  supplication  to  those  who  had  originally  siuirned 
my  wife  from  their  presence ;  and  yet  my  heart  bled  for  tho  privations  of 
her  who,  alike  resi)ectable  in  family,  was,  both  from  sex  and  the  natural  deli- 
cacy of  her  frame,  so  far  less  constituted  to  bear  up  against  tho  frowns  of 
adversity  than  myself.  Our  extremity  had  now  become  great, — too  great  for 
human  endurance  ;  when,  through  the  medium  of  tho  public  prints,  I  became 
acquainted  with  the  glorious  action  that  had  been  fought  in  this  country  hv 
the  array  under  General  Wolfe.  A  new  light  burst  suddenly  upon  my  mind, 
and  visions  of  after  prosperity  constantly  presented  themselves  to  my  view. 
The  field  of  honor  Avas  open  before  me,  and  there  was  a  probability  I  might, 
by  good  conduct,  so  far  merit  tho  approbation  of  my  superiors,  as  to  obtain, 
in  course  of  time,  that  rank  amqng  themselves  to  which  by  birth  and  educa- 
tion I  was  so  justly  entitled  to  aspire.  Without  waiting  to  consult  my  Ellen, 
whose  opposition  I  feared  to  encounter  until  opposition  would  bo  fruitless,  I 
hastened  to  Lieutenant  Walgrave,  the  recruiting  officer  of  tho  regiment, — 
tondered  my  servicers, — was  accepted  and  approved, — received  the  bounty  mon- 
ey,— and  became  defini*  3ly  a  soldier,  under  the  assumed  name  of  Frank  Hal- 
loway. 

"  It  would  be  tedious  and  impertinent,  gentlemen,"  resumed  the  prisoner, 
after  a  short  pause,  "  to  dwell  on  the  humiliations  or  spirit  to  which  both  my 
wife  and  myself  were  subjected  at  our  first  introduction  to  our  new  associ- 
ates who,  although  invariably  kind  to  us,  were  nevertheless  ill  suited,  both 
by  education  and  habit,  to  awaken  anything  like  congeniality  of  feeling  or 
similarity  of  pursuit.  Still  we  endeavored,  as  much  as  possible,  to  lessen  the 
distance  that  existed  between  us  ;  and  from  the  first  moment  of  our  joining 
the  regiment,  determined  to  adopt  the  phraseology  a'  i  manners  of  those 
with  whom  an  adverse  destiny  had  so  singularly  connffi.ti  d  us.  In  this  we 
succeeded ;  for  no  one,  up  to  the  present  moment,  h«;;  imagined  either  my 
wife  or  myself  to  be  other  than  the  simple,  unpreienl.ng  Frank  and  Ellen 
Halloway. 

"  On  joining  the  regiment  in  this  country,"  pursued  the  prisoner,  after  an- 
other pause,  marked  by  much  emotion,  '"  I  had  tho  good  fortune  to  be  ap- 
pointed to  the  grenadier  company.  (■}entlemen,'you  all  know  the  aniiablo 
qualities  of  Captain  de  Ilaldiuiar.  But  although,  unlike  yourselves,  I  have 
learnt  to  admire  that  othcer  only  at  a  distance,  my  devotion  to  his  interests 
has  been  proportioned  to  the  kindness  with  which  I  have  ever  been  treated 
by  him ;  anil  may  I  not  add,  after  this  avowal  of  my  former  condition,  my 
most  fervent  de.sue  has  all  along  been  to  seize  the  first  favorable  opportunity 
of  performing  sonic  action  that  would  eventually  elevate  me  to  a  position  in 
which  I  might,  without  blushing  for  the  absence  of  the  ennobling  qualities  of 
birth  and  condition,  avow  myself  his  friend,  and  solicit  that  distinction  from 
jny  equal  which  was  partially  extended  to  me  by  my  superior  ?    The  oppor- 


^,  ^^ 


^^t?"',-^ 


WAOOVtTA;  OR,  THE  PROPHECY. 


3T 


tunity  I  thought  was  not  lotifi;  wantiuK.  At  t)io  mc<ini)ra>)lu  att'uir  with  tho 
French  Kcnural,  Levi,  at  Qiiubec,  in  which  our  rcginiont  hnre  ko  c()nHnicuous  a 
part,  I  iiad  the  gowl  fortune  to  save  tl»e  life  of  my  oa])tain.  A  band  of  Indl- 
anH,  as  you  all,  gentlemen,  numt  recollect,  had  approached  our  right  flank 
unp((rceivcd,  and  while  buHily  engatct'd  with  the  French  in  front,  wo  wore 
compelled  to  divide  our  fire  hetwcen  tlicni  and  our  new  and  fierce  asKailankH. 
The  lender  of  that  band  was  a  French  ollicer,  who  Meiiiied  iiarticularly  to 
direct  his  attempts  apvinst  the  life  of  (japtain  do  Ilaldinmr.  lie  waa  a  man 
of  powerful  proportions  and  gigantic  statuii " 

"  Hold  I"  said  the  governor,  starting  suddeidy  from  the  feat  in  which  lie  had 
listened  with  evident  imi)atiencc  to  this  long  outline  of  tl,,'  prisoner's  history. 
"  Gentlemen,"  addressing  the  cmirt,  "  that  is  the  very  stranger  who  wa«  in 
my  apartment  last  night. — the  being  with  whom  the  piisoner  is  evidently  in 
treacherous  correspondence,  and  all  this  absurd  tale  is  but  a  blind  to  deceive 
your  judgment,  and  mitigate  his  own  punishment.  Who  is  there  to  prove 
the  iiuin  he  has  just  described  was  the  same  who  aimed  at  Captain  de  Ilaldi- 
mar's  life  at  Quebec  7" 

A  Hush  of  deep  indignation  overspread  tlic  tl'atures  of  tho  prisoner,  whose 
high  spirit,  now  he  had  avowed  his  true  origin,  could  ill  brook  the  afl'ront 
thus  put  upon  his  veracity. 

"  Colonel  de  Ilaldiinar  !"  he  proudly  replied,  while  his  chains  clanked  with 
the  energy  and  force  with  which  he  drew  up  his  person  into  an  attitude  of 
striking  dignity ;  "  for  oiico  I  sink  the  private  soldier,  and  address  you  in  the 
character  of  the  gentleman  and  your  ctpial.  I  have  a  soul,  sir,  notwithstand- 
ing my  fallen  fortunes,  as  keenly  alive  to  honor  as  your  own  ;  and  not  oven  to 
save  my  wretched  life,  would  I  be  guilty  of  tho  baseness  yea  now  attribute 
to  mo.  You  have  asked,"  he  pursued,  in  a  more  solemn  t.)nc,  "  what  proof  I 
liave  to  show  this  individual  to  be  the  same  who  attempted  the  life  of  Captain 
<Ie  Ilaldimar.  To  Captain  do  Haldimar  himself,  should  Providence  have 
spared  his  days,  I  shall  leave  the  melancholy  task  of  bearing  witness  to  all 
I  here  advance,  when  I  shall  bo  no  more.  Kay,  sir,"  and  his  look  partook 
at  once  of  minn;led  .scorn  and  despondency,  "  well  do  I  know  the  fate  that 
awaits  mc ;  for  m  these  proceeding.s — in  that  third  charge — 1  plainly  read  my 
death-  warrant.  But  what,  save  my  poor  and  wretched  wife,  have  I  to  regret? 
Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,"  he  continued,  with  a  vehemence  meant  to  check  the 
growing  weakness  which  the  thought  of  his  unfortunate  companion  called  up 
to  his  heart,  "  I  saved  the  life  of  your  son,  even  by  your  own  admission,  no 
matter  whose  the  ami  that  threatened  his  existence  ;  and  in  every  other  action 
in  which  I  have  been  engaged,  honorable  mention  has  ever  been  made  of  my 
conduct.  Now,  sir,  I  ask  what  has  been  my  reward  ?  So  far  from  attending 
to  the  repeated  recommendations  of  my  captain  for  promotion,  even  in  a  sub- 
ordinate rank,  have  you  once  deemed  it  necessary  to  acknowledge  my  ser- 
vices by  even  a  recognition  of  them  in  any  way  whatever  ?" 

'•  Mr.  President,  Captain  Blessington,"  interrupted  the  governor  haughtily, 
are  we  met  here  to  listen  to  such  language  from  a  private  soldier  ?  You  will 
do  well,  sir,  to  exercise  your  prerogative,  and  stay  such  impertinent  matter, 
which  can  have  no  reference  whatever  to  the  defence  of  the  prisoner." 

''  Prisoner,"  resumed  the  president,  who  as  well  as  the  other  members  of 
the  court,  had  listened  with  the  most  profound  and  absorbing  interest  to  the 
singular  disclosure  of  him  wdiom  they  still  only  knew  as  Frank  Halloway, 
■'  this  language  cannot  bo  permitted ;  you  must  confine  yourself  to  your 
defence." 

"  Pardon  me,  gentlemen,"  returned  Halloway,  in  his  usual  firm  but  respect- 
ful tone  of  voice ;  pardon  me,  if,  standing  on  the  brink  of  the  grave  as  I  do,  I 
have  so  far  forgotten  the  rules  of  military  discipline  as  to  sink  for  a  moment 
the  soldier  in  the  gentleman ;  but  to  be  taxed  with  an  unworthy  fabrication, 
and  to  be  treated  witli  contumely  when  avowing  the  secret  of  my  condition, 
was  more  than  human  pride  and  human  feeling  could  tolerate." 


38 


W  A  C  O  t)  S   !■  A  ;      O  II  ,      V  HE      P  il  O  P  II  i;  C  Y  , 


HI 


'  Oonlliic  J  ourself,  prisoner,  to  yowv  'lefcncc,"  Mjruin  I'tmrirkod  Captain 
Blossington,  peircivinf;,'  tho  rosllos.-;iicss  with  -which  tlie  governor  listened  to 
these  hold  and  additional  oh.serviitions  ol'  llalloway. 

Again  the  governor  interposed  : — ''  What  possihlc  connection  can  there  he 
between  this  man's  life,  and  tho  crime  with  wiiich  he  stands  charged  ? 
Captain  .  {lessington,  this  is  trilling  with  the  court,  who  are  asseiid)led  to  try' 
the  priso  icr  for  his  treason,  i;nd  not  to  waste  their  time  in  listening  to  a 
history  utterly  foreign  to  the  suhject." 

"The  history  of  my  past  life.  Colonel  do  Ilardimar,"  proudly  rctuined  the 
prisoner,  "  although  tedious  and  uninteresting  to  you,  is  of  the  utmost  im- 
portance to  myself;  for  on  that  do  I  ground  tVie  most  essential  part  of  nty 
defence.  There  is  nothing  hut  circumstantial  evidence  against  me  on  the  t  wo 
first  charges  ;  and  as  those  alone  can  reiiect  dishonor  on  nij  memory,  it  is  for 
the  wisdom  of  tliis  court  to  determine  whether  that  evidence  is  to  he  credited 
in  opposition  to  the  solenni  declaration  of  him,  who,  in  admitting  one  charge, 
equally  aflecting  his  life  with  the  others,  repudiates  as  foul  those  only  M-hich 
would  attaint  his  honor,  (ientlcmen,"  he  pursued,  addressing  the  court.  '■  it  is 
for  you  to  determine  vvlicther  my  defence  is  to  be  continued  or  not  j'yct,  what- 
ever be  my  fate,  1  would  lain  remove  all  injurious  impression  fron  the  minds 
of  my  Judges ;  and  tliis  can  only  ho  done  by  a  simple  detail  of  circunistancos, 
whichmay,  by  the  unprejudiced,  be  as  simply  believed." 

Here  tho  prisoner  paused  :  when,  after  some  low  and  earnest  conversation 
among  the  members  of  the  court,  two  or  three  slips  of  written  paper  were 
paseed  to  the  President.  lie  glanced  his  eye  hurriedly  over  them,  and  then 
directed  llalloway  to  proceed  with  his  defence. 

"  I  have  stated,"  pursued  the  interesting  soldier,  "  that  the  officer  who  led 
the  band  of  Indians  was  a  man  of  gigantic  stature,  and  of  apparently  great 
strength.  My  attention  was  particularly  directed  to  him  from  this  circum- 
stance, and  as  I  was  on  tho  extreme  liank  of  the  grenadiers,  and  close  to 
Captain  de  llaldinuir,  I  had  evet-y  opportunity  of  observing  his  movements 
principally  pointed  at  that  officer,  lie  first  discharged  a  carbine,  the  ball  of 
which  killed  a  man  of  tho  company  at  his  (Captain  de  Ilaldimar's)  side  ;  and 
then,  with  evident  rage  at  having  been  defeated  in  his  aim,  ho  took  a  pistol 
from  his  belt,  and  advancing  with  rapid  strides  to  within  a  few  paces  of  his 
intended  victim,  presented  it;  in  the  most  deliberate  maimer.  At  that  mo- 
ment, gentlemen,  (and  it  was  but  the  work  of  a  moment,)  a  thousand  confus- 
ed and  almost  inexplicable  feelings  rose  to  my  bctn-t.  The  orca^ion  I  had 
long  sought  was  at  length  within  my  reach  ;  but  even  the  personal  consider- 
ations, which  had  hitherto  influenced  my  mind,  were  suuk  in  the  anxious  de- 
sire I  entertained  to  preserve  the  life  of  an  officer  so  universall}-  beloved,  and 
so  every  way  worthj'  of  the  sacrifice.  While  yet  the  pistol  rcmainud  levelled. 
I  sprang  before  Captain  de  llaldimar,  receiAcd  the  ball  in  my  breast,  and  had 
just  strength  sufficient  to  fire  my  nmsket  at  tho  formidable  entiny.  when  1 
sank  senseless  to  the  earth. 

■•  It  will  not  be  difficult  fVu-  you,  gentlemen,  who  have  feeling  minds,  to  un- 
derstand the  pleasurable  pride  with  which,  on  being  conveyed  to  Ciptain  de 
Halduuar's  own  apartments  in  Quebec,  1  found  myself  almost  ovcrwhelnic  1 
by  the  touching  marks  of  gratitude  showered  on  me  by  his  relatives.  Miss 
Clara  de  Haldimar,  in  particular,  like  a  ministering  angel,  visited  my  couch  of 
suffering  almost  every  hour,  and  always  provided  with  some  little  delicacy, 
suitijole  to  my  condition,  of  which  I  had  long  since  tutored  inysi'lf  to  forget 
even  the  use.  B)it  what  prii  cipally  afforded  me  pleasure,  was  to  remark  the 
oonsolations  which  she  tendered  to  my  poor  drooping  EMer.,  wlio,  .ihcady  more 
than  half  subdued  by  the  melancholy  change  in  our  conditidu  in  life,  fre- 
■'  'P.tly  spent  hours  together  in  silent  grief  at  the  side  of  my  coiu'h,  ajid 
U:hing  eveiy  change  in  my  countenance  with  all  the  intense  anxiety  of  one 
who  feels  the  last  sU'v  on  earth  is  about  to  be  severed  for  ever.  Ah  •  how  I 
then  longed  to  disclose  to  tliis  kind  and  compassionating  Iieing  the  true  posi- 


(f 


«•> 


wacocsta;    or,    the    i'roi'hecy. 


30 


tion  of  her  on  whom  she  lavished  her  attention,  and  to  make  her  known  not 
as  the  inferior  honored  by  her  notice,  liut  as  the  ecjuid  .dike  wortliy  of  her 
friendslnp  und  deserving;  of  lier  esteem ;  Imt  t)ie  wnle,  wide  barrier  tliat  di- 
vided the  wife  of  tlie  priviile  soldier  from  the  (lau.'^liter  nnd  sister  of  tho 
connnissioned  oliiccr  sealed  my  lips,  and  onr  trne  condition  continued  un- 
revealed. 

"  (icntlonion,"  resumed  Hallo  way,  after  a  short  pause,  "if  I  dwell  on  tli($se 
circumsuinee.'',  it  is  with  a  view  to  show  liow  vile  are  the  cliarjics  preferred 
against  me.  Is  it  likely,  with  all  the  incentives  to  jrood  conduct  I  have  named, 
1  should  have  proved  a  traitor  to  my  country  ?  And,  even  if  so,  wiiat  to  f;ain, 
I  would  ask  ;  and  by  what  means  v.'as  a  correspondence  with  the  enemy  to  bo 
maintained  by  one  in  iny  humble  station  ?  As  for  the  second  charge,  how  in- 
famous, how  injurious  is  it  to  my  reputation,  how  unworthy  to  be  entertained ! 
From  the  moment  of  my  recovery  from  that  severe  wound,  every  mai'k  of 
favor  that  coulil  be  bestowerl  on  pei'sons  in  our  situation  had  been  c.\lended  to 
my  wife  and  myself,  by  the  family  of  Colonel  de  llaldimar ;  and  »ny  captain, 
knowing  me  merely  as  the  simple  and  low  born  Frank  Ilalloway,  although 
still  the  preserver  of  his  life,  has  been  unceasin!>,'  in  liis  exertions  to  obtain  such 
promotion  as  he  thought  my  conduct  generally,  independently  of  my  devoted- 
ness  to  his  person,  might  claim.  How  these  applications  were  met,  {.'entlemen, 
I  have  already  stated ;  but  notwithstanding  Colonel  de  llaldimar  has  never 
deemed  me  worthy  of  the  promotion  solicited,  that  circumstance  could  in  no 
way  weaken  my  regard  and  attachment  for  him  who  had  so  often  demanded 
it.  How  then,  in  the  name  of  heaven,  can  a  charge  so  improbable,  so  extrava- 
gant, as  that  of  having  been  instnuni-ntal  in  the  abduction  of  Captain  de  Hal- 
dimar.  be  entertained  7  and  who  is  there  among  you,  gentlemen,  who  will  for 
one  moment  belii.'ve  1  coidd  harbor  a  thought  so  absurd  as  that  of  lending  my- 
self to  the  destruciion  of  one  for  whom  1  once  cheerfully  oliered  up  the  sacri- 
fice of  my  blood  ?  And  iiov,',"  pursued  the  prisoner,  after  another  short  pause, 
"  1  come  to  the  third  charge, — that  charge  which  most  affects  n)y  life,  but  im- 
pugns neither  my  honor  nor  my  lidelity.  'J'hat  (jod,  Ijefore  whom  1  know  I 
shall  shortly  appi'nr,  cnn  attest  the  sincerity  of  my  statement,  and  before  him 
do  1  now  .'  (ilemniy  dechire  what  I  am  about  to  relate  is  i.rue. 

'Soon  after  the  couimencement  of  my  watch  last  night,  1  heai'd  a  voice  dis- 
tinctly on  tlie  outside  of  the  lampart,  near  my  post,  calling  in  a  low  and  .sub- 
dued tone  on  the  name  of  Captain  do  Jlaldiniar.  The  accents,  liastiiy  and 
anxiously  uttered,  were  appiuently  tho,se  of  a  female.  ¥ov  a  moment  i  con- 
tinued ii  resolute  how  to  act,  and  hesitited  whether  or  not  T  .should  a!a;';n  the 
gari'i.-on  ;  but,  at  length.  ])resuming  it  was  some  young  female  of  the  village 
with  whom  my  captain  was  ac(iuainted,  it  occurred  to  me  the  most  jjrudent 
course  would  bo  to  appri.se  that  otlicer  hini.self  AVhile  1  yet  liesitated  whether 
to  leave  my  post  for  a  moment  for  tiic  i)urpose,  a  man  crossed  the  pai'adc  a 
few  ^ards  in  my  front;  it  was  Captain  de  Haldimar's  servant,  Donellan,  then 
in  the  act  of  carrying  .some  things  from  his  master's  apartment  to  the  guard- 
room. 1  called  to  him,  to  say  the  sentinel  at  the  gate  wi.shed  to  sue  the  cap- 
lain  of  the  guard  inunediately.  In  the  coiu'se  of  a  few  minutes  he  ciune  up  to 
my  post,  when  I  told  hi)n  what  I  had  heard.  At  that  moment,  the  voice 
again  repeated  his  name,  when  he  abruptly  left  me  and  timied  to  tlie  left  of 
the  ;.'aU'  evident iy  on  his  way  to  the  rampart.  Soon  afi.erwards  i  heard  Cap- 
tain dv'  llaktimai  immediately  aliove  me,  sharply  calling  out  'Hist,  hi,st!'  as  if 
the  ■k'!s<iu  on  the  out-s^de,  despairing  of  success,  was  in  the  act  of  retreatmg. 
A  nionu'ut  or  t.vo  of  silence  ,succeeded,  when  a  low  conver.sation  ensued  oe- 
twcen  the  parties.  The  distance  was  so  irreat  T  could  oidy  distinguish  inarti- 
tidate  sounds ;  yet  it  seemed  to  me  as  if  they  .spoke  not  in  Engli.sh.  but  in  the 
language  of  the  Ottawa  Indians,  a  tongue  with  vhich,  as  you  are  well  aware, 
fentlenun,  Captain  de  llaldimar  is  famihar.  This  had  continued  about  ten 
jainutes  Avhen  1  again  heard  footsteps  hastily  descending  the  rampart,  and 
moving  in  the  direction  of  the  guard-house.    Soon  afterwards  Captain  de  Ual- 


40 


WACOUSTA;     OU,    the     PROPHECy, 


i 


m\ 


diraar  reappeared  at  my  post,  accompanied  by  his  servant  Donellan;  tat> 
former  had  the  keys  of  the  gate  in  his  hand,  and  he  told  me  that  he  must  pass 
to  the  skirt  of  the  forest  on  some  business  of  the  last  importance  to  the  safety 
of  the  parrison. 

"At  lirst  I  peremptorily  refused,  stating  the  severe  penalty  attached  to  the 
infringement  of  an  order,  the  observation  of  which  had  so  especially  been  in- 
sistetl  upon  by  the  governor,  whose  permission,  however,  I  ventured  respect- 
fully to  urge,  might,  without  difficulty,  be  obtained,  if  the  business  was  really 
of  the  importance  he  described  it.  Captain  de  Haldimar,  however,  declared  he 
well  knew  the  governor  would  not  accord  that  permission,  unless  lie  was  posi- 
tively acquainted  with  the  nature  and  extent  of  the  danger  to  be  apprehended  ; 
and  of  these,  he  said,  he  was  not  himself  sufficiently  aware.  All  argument  of 
this  nature  proving  ineffectual,  he  attempted  to  enforce  his  authority,  not  only 
in  his  capacity  of  officer  of  the  guard,  but  also  as  my  captain,  ordering  me,  on 
pain  of  confinement,  not  to  interfere  with  or  attempt  to  impede  his  departure. 
This,  however,  produced  no  better  result ;  for  I  knew  that,  in  this  instance,  I 
was  amenable  to  the  order  of  the  governor  alone,  and  I  again  firmly  refused  to 
violate  my  duty. 

"  Finding  himself  thwarted  in  his  attempt  to  enforce  my  obedience.  Captain 
de  Haldimar,  who  seemed  much  agitated  and  annoyed  by  what  he  termed  my 
obstinacy,  now  descended  to  entreaty ;  and  in  the  name  of  that  life  which  I 
had  preserved  to  him,  and  of  that  deep  gratitude  which  he  had  ever  since 
borne  to  me,  conjured  me  not  to  ])revent  his  departure.  '  Ilalloway,'  he  urged, 
'your  life,  my  life,  my  father's  life, — the  life  of  my  sister  Clara  perhaps,  who 
nursed  you  in  illness,  and  who  has  ever  treated  your  wife  with  attention  and 
kindness,  all  these  depend  upon  your  compliance  with  my  request.  Hear  me,' 
he  pursued,  following  up  the  impression  which  lie  clearly  perceived  he  had 
produced  in  me  by  this  singular  and  touching  language :  '  I  promise  to  be  back 
within  the  hour ;  there  is  no  danger  attending  my  departure,  and  here  will  I 
be  before  you  are  relieved  from  yoar  post ;  no  one  can  know  I  have  been  ab- 
sent, and  your  secret  will  remain  with  Donellan  and  myself.  Do  you  think,' 
he  concluded,  '  I  would  encourage  a  soldier  of  my  regiment  to  disobey  a  stand- 
ing order  of  the  garrison,  unless  there  ^tas  some  very  extraordinary  reason  for 
my  so  doing  ?  Hut  there  is  no  time  to  be  lost  in  parley.  Halloway  !  I  entreat 
you  to  offer  no  further  opposition  to  my  departure.  I  pledge  myself  to  be 
back  before  you  are  relieved.' 

"  Gentlemen,"  impressively  continued  the  prisoner,  after  a  pause,  during 
which  evcr^-^  member  of  the  court  seemed  to  breathe  for  the  first  time,  so 
deeply  had  the  attention  of  all  been  riveted  by  the  latter  part  of  this  singu- 
lar declaration,  "  how,  under  these  circumstances,  could  I  be  expected  to  act  ? 
Assured  by  Captain  de  Haldimar,  in  the  most  solenm  manner,  that  the  exis- 
tence of  those  most  dear  to  his  heart  hung  on  my  compliance  with  his  request, 
how  could  I  refuse  to  him,  whose  life  I  had  saved,  and  whose  character  I  so 
much  esteemed,  a  boon  so  earnestly,  nay,  so  imploringly  solicited  ?  [  acceded 
to  his  prayer,  intimating  at  the  same  time,  if  he  returned  not  before  another 
sentinel  should  relieve  me,  the  discovery  of  my  breach  of  duty  must  be  jnade, 
and  my  punishment  inevitable.  His  last  words,  however,  were  to  assure  me 
he  should  return  at  the  hour  he  had  named,  and  when  I  closed  the  gate  upon 
him  it  was  under  the  firm  impression  his  absence  would  only  prove  ni'  the 
temporary  nature  he  had  slated,  (xentiemen,"  abruptly  concluded  Halloway, 
"  I  have  nothing  further  to  add ;  if  I  have  failed  in  my  duty  as  a  soldier,  I 
have,  at  least,  fulfilled  that  of  a  man  ;  and  although  the  violation  of  the  first 
entails  upon  me  the  punishment  of  death,  the  motives  which  impelled  me  to 
that  violation  will  not,  I  trust,  be  utterly  lost  sight  of  by  those  by  whom  my 
punishment  is  to  be  awarded." 

The  candid,  fearless,  and  manly  tone  in  which  Halloway  had  delivered  this 
long  and  singular  statement,  however  little  the  governor  appeared  to  bo  affected 
by  it,  evidently  made  a  deep  impression  on  the  court,  who  had  listened  with 


WACOU8TA;      OR,     THE     PROPHECY. 


4t 


undiverted  attention  to  the  close.  Some  conversation  again  ensued,  in  a  low 
tone,  among  several  members,  when  two  slips  of  written  paper  were  passed 
up,  as  before,  to  the  president.    These  excited  the  following  interrogatories : — 

"  You  have  stated,  prisoner,  that  Captain  de  Haldimar  left  the  fort  accom- 
panied by  his  servant  Donellan.    How  were  they  respectively  dressed  ?" 

"  Captain  d(  Haldimar  in  his  uniform ;  Dpnellan,  as  far  as  I  could  observe, 
in  his  regimen  al  clothing  also,  with  this  difference,  that  he  wore  his  servant's 
round  glazed  hat  and  his  grey  great  coat." 

"  How  then  do  you  account  for  the  extraordinary  circumstance  of  Donellan 
having  been  found  murdered  in  his  master's  clothes?  Was  any  allusion 
made  to  a  change  of  dress  before  they  left  the  fort  ?" 

"  Not  the  slightest,"  returned  the  prisoner  ;  "  nor  can  I  in  any  way  account 
for  this  mysterious  fact.  When  they  quitted  the  garrison,  each  wore  the  dress 
I  have  described." 

"  In  what  manner  did  Captain  do  Haldimar  and  Donellan  effect  their  pas- 
sage across  the  ditch  ?"  continued  the  president,  after  glancing  at  the  second 
slip  of  paper.  "  The  draw-bridge  was  evidently  not  lowered,  and  there  were 
no  other  means  at  hand  to  enable  him  to  effect  his  object  with  promptitude. 
How  do  you  explain  this,  prisoner  ?" 

When  this  question  was  put,  the  whole  body  of  officers,  and  the  governor 
especially,  turned  their  eyes  simultaneously  on  Halloway,  for  on  his  hesitation 
or  promptness  in  replying  seemed  to  attach  much  of  the  credit  they  were  dis- 
pot .  I '  '">  accord  his  statement.  Halloway  observed  it,  and  colored.  His  re- 
pl;    iiovrever,  was  free,  unfaltering,  and  unstudied. 

"A  rope  with  which  Donellan  had  provided  himself,  was  secured  to  one  of 
the  iron  hooks  that  support  the  pulleys  immediately  above  the  gate.  With 
this  they  swung  themselves  in  succession  to  the  opposite  bank." 

The  members  of  the  court  looked  at  each  other,  apparently  glad  that  an 
answer  so  confirmatory  of  the  truth  of  the  prisoner's  statement  had  been 
thu.s  readily  given. 

"  Were  they  to  have  returned  in  the  same  manner  ?"  pursued  the  president, 
framing  his  interrogatory  from  the  contents  or  another  slip  of  paper,  which^ 
at  the  suggestion  of  the  governor,  had  been  passed  to  him  by  the  prosecutor, 
Mr.  Lawson. 

"They  were,"  firmly  replied  the  prisoner.  "At  lea.st  I  presumed  they 
were,  for,  I  believe  in  the  hurry  of  Captain  de  Haldimar's  departure,  he  never 
once  made  any  direct  allusion  to  the  manner  of  his  return ;  nor  did  it  occur 
to  me  until  this  moment  how  they  were  to  regain  possession  of  the  rope,  with- 
out assistance  from  within." 

"  Of  course."  ob.served  Colonel  die  Haldimar,  addressing  the  president,  "  the 
rope  still  rerr  ini,     Mr.  Lawson,  examine  the  gate,  and  report  accordingly." 

The  adjii*  .  t  ha«toned  to  acquit  himself  of  this  laconic  order,  and  soon  af- 
terwards ret  !v  I  I  itating  not  only  that  there  was  no  rope,  but  that  the  hook 
alluded  to  hn     r   ip<   ared  altogether. 

For  a  momun-  '(  cheek  of  the  prisoner  paled ;  but  it  was  evidently  less 
from  any  fear  conrcctcd  with  his  individual  existence,  than  from  the  shame 
he  felt  at  having  been  detected  in  a  supposed  falsehood.  He  however  .speedily 
recovered  his  .self-possession,  and  exhibited  the  same  character  of  unconcern 
by  whicli  his  genci'al  bearing  throughout  the  trial  had  beerf  distinguished. 

On  this  announcement  of  the  adjutant,  the  governor  betraj^ed  a  movement 
of  impatience,  that  was  meant  to  convey  his  utter  disbelief  of  the  whole  of  the 
prisoner's  statement,  and  his  look  seemed  to  express  to  the  court  it  should 
also  arrive,  without  hesitation,  at  the  same  conclusion.  Even  all  authoritative 
as  he  was,  however,  he  felt  that  military  etiquette  and  strict  discipline  pre- 
vented his  iiitorforing  further  in  this  advanced  state  of  the  proceedings. 

"  Prisoner,"  af>nin  remarked  Captain  Blessinirton.  "  your  statement  in  re- 
gard to  the  means  employed  by  (laptain  de  Haldimar  in  effecting  his  departure, 
is.  you  must  admit,  unsupported  liy  appc.iranco .     ilow  happens  it  the  rope 


42 


W  A  C  O  IT  S  T  A  •      OK,     THE      P  U  O  P  H  E  C  V  . 


is  no  longer  whcro  you  say  it  was  plnced  ?  No  one  could  have  i-cmovcd  it  but 
yourself.  Have  you  done  so  ?  and  if  so,  can  you  produce  it.  or  say  where  it 
is  to  be  found  ?" 

"Captiiin  Blcssinpton,"  replied  Ilalloway,  proudly,  yet  resiicctfully,  "T 
have  ali'eady  invoked  that  <rrcat  Tieinpr.  befoi'o  whose  tribunal  1  nn\  so  shortly 
to  appear,  in  testimony  of  the  truth  of  my  assertion  ;  and  ap;ain.  in  his  pres- 
ence, do  1  repeat,  evt-i-y  word  I  have  uttered  is  true.  I  did  not  remove  the 
rope,  neither  do  1  know  what  is  become  of  it.  I  admit  its  dis;5|>pearance  is 
extraordinary,  but  a  moment's  relloction  nuist  satisfy  the  court,  I  would  not 
have  devised  a  tale,  (Ik;  falsehood  of  which  could  at  once  have  been  detected 
on  an  examination  such  as  that  which  has  just  been  instituted.  When  j\Ir. 
Lawson  left  this  room  just  now,  I  fully  expected  he  would  have  fo\ind  the  rope 
lyinp;  as  it  had  been  left.  What  has  become  of  it,  I  rejjoat.  I  know  not ;  but 
in  the  manner  T  have  stated  did  Captain  de  TIaldimar  and  Donellan  cross  the 
ditch.  T  have  nothuia;  further  to  add,"  he  concluded  once  more,  drawinp;  up 
his  fine  tall  person,  the  native  elegance  of  which  could  not  be  wholly  dispuised 
even  in  the  dress  of  a  private  soldier ;  '"nothinj?  further  to  disclo.se.  Yet  do 
T  repel  with  scorn  the  injiu-ious  insinuation  against  my  fidelity,  sugsjested  in 
tliese  doubts.  T  am  jirepared  to  meet  my  death  as  best  may  become  a  soldier, 
and  let  me  add,  as  best  may  become  a  proud  and  well  born  gentleman  ;  but 
humanity  and  common  justice  should  at  least  be  accorded  to  my  memory.  I 
am  an  unfortunate  man.  but  no  traitor." 

The  members  were  visibly  impressed  by  the  last  sentences  of  the  prisoner. 
No  furthiT  qiipstion  however  was  asked,  and  he  was  again  removed  by  the 
e.<!cort.  who  had  been  wondering  spectators  of  the  scene,  to  the  cell  he  had  so 
recently  occupied.  The  room  was  then  cleared  of  the  witnesses  and  stran- 
gers, the  latter  comprising  nearly  the  whole  of  the  officers  oif  duty,  when  the 
court  proceeded  to  deliberate  on  the  evidence,  and  pass  sentence  on  the  ac- 
cused. 


CTIAPTRTI  YT. 


M 


Although  the  young  and  sensitive  De  Ilaldimar  had  found  ])hysical  relief 
in  the  summary  means  resorted  to  by  the  siu'geon,  the  moral  wound  at  his 
heart  not  only  rcmainerl  luisoothed.  })ut  was  rendered  more  acutely  jjainful  by 
the  wretched  reflections,  which  now  tliat  he  bad  full  leisure  to  review  the 
past,  and  anticipate  the  future  in  all  the  gloom  attached  to  both,  .so  violently 
assailed  him.  From  the  Tuoment  when  his  brother's  strange  and  mysterious 
disappearance  had  been  comnumicaled  by  the  adjutant  in  the  manner  wc  have 
already  seen,  his  spirits  had  been  ''eeply  anu  fe.irfully  dejH'cssed.  Still  he  had 
every  reason  to  expect,  from  the  well-known  cliaracter  of  Hallow  ay,  the  strong 
hope  expressed  by  tl'.e  latter  might  be  realized  ;  and  that,  at  the  hour  appoint- 
ed for  trial,  his  brother  would  be  present  to  ex])lain  the  cause  of  his  mysteri- 
ous absence,  justify  the  conduct  of  his  subordhuite.  and  exonerate  him  from 
the  treadnry  with  v,hiL'h  he  now  stood  charged.  Yet,  powerful  as  this  hope 
was.  it  was  unavoidably  ((ualified  by  dispirii/ing  doubt ;  for  a  natui'e  aflection- 
ate  and  bland,  as  thai  of  Charles  de  Tlakliniar,  could  not  but  harbor  distrn.st, 
while  a  shadow  of  uncertainty,  in  regard  to  the  fate  of  a  brother  s<>  tenderly 
loved,  remained.  Ti(^  had  P)rced  him.seif  to  believe  as  much  as  possible  what 
he  wished,  and  tiw  effort  had.  to  a  certain  extent,  succeeded  ;  but  there  had 
been  something  so  solemn  and  so  impressive  in  the  scene  that  had  passed 
when  the  prisoner  v.-as  first  brought  nj)  for  trial,  .something  so  fciirfully  ])ro- 
photic  in  the  wild  languag(^  of  his  unhappy  wife,  he  had  found  it  impossible 
to  resist  the  influence  of  the  almost  superstitious  awe  they  had  awakened  in 
liis  heart. 


w 


acousta;  ou,  thk  prophecy, 


43 


What  the  feeliniTK  of  the  young  officer  were  subsequently,  when  in  the  per- 
son of  the  murdered  man  on  the  comnion,  the  vietim  of  Sii  Everard  Vallotort's 
aim,  he  recognized  tliat  1)rotlier,  whose  disappearance  liad  occasioned  him  so 
mucVi  inquietude,  we  sliall  not  attempt  tode.scrihe  ;  tluMr  nature  is  iiest  shown 
in  the  ert'eet  they  produced — the  ahiiost  overvvliehninji;  asrony  of  body  ond 
mind,  which  liad  hoi'ue  him,  like  a  stricken  plant,  unresistinjt  to  the  earth. 
But  now  that,  in  tlie  cahii  and  solitude  of  his  chamber,  he  had  leisure  to  re- 
view the  fearful  cven'^;-;  rons])iriiif!;  to  produce  this  extremity,  liis  angiiish  of 
spirit  was  even  deejur  than  when  the  liist  rude  shock  of  conviction  had  Hash- 
ed upon  liis  undcrstandiiiii-.  A  tide  of  sufierin£r,  that  overpowered,  without 
rendering;  him  sensible  of  its  positive  and  abstract  charaolei',  had,  in  the  Hrst 
instance,  oppressed  his  liicuKIcs.  and  ol^scured  his  jierccption  ;  but  now,  slow, 
sure,  stinging,  and  gradually  succeeding  each  other,  ouue  eveiy  bitter  thought 
and  rcllection  of  wliich  thai,  tide  wa.s  composed  ;  and  the  genej-ous  heart  of 
Charles  de  Maldiniar  was  a  prey  to  feelings  that  would  have  wrung  the  .soul, 
and  wounded  the  sensibilities  of  one  fai-  less  gentle  and  susceptible  than  him- 
self. 

Between  Sir  Everard  Vallctort  and  Charles  do  Huldimar,  who.  it  luis  already 
been  remarked^  were  lieutenants  in  Captain  Bles.sington's  company,  a  senti- 
ment of  frien<lship  had  been  sull'ered  to  spring  up  almost  from  the  moment 
of  Sir  Everard's  joining.  'J'he  young  men  were  nearly  of  th.e  same  age ;  and 
although  tiie  one  was  all  genilenejss.  the  other  all  .spirit  and  vivacity,  not  a 
shade  of  disunion  had  at  any  period  intei-vened  to  intei-rupt  the  almost  broth- 
erly attachment  subsisting  between  them,  and  each  felt  the  disposition  of  the 
other  was  the  one  most  assimilated  to  his  own.  In  fact,  Sir  Evci'ai'd  was  far 
from  being  the  ephennral  character  he  was  often  willing  to  appear.  Under  a 
semblance  of  aiieclatiou,  and  much  assumed  levity  of  manner,  never,  however, 
personally  offensive,  he  concealed  a  brave,  generous,  warm,  and  manly  heart, 
and  talents  becoming  the  rank  he  held  in  society,  such  as  would  not  have  re- 
flected di.scredit  on  one  nund)ering  twice  hi.s  years.  lie  had  entered  tlie  army, 
as  most  \'oung  men  oi'  rank  usually  did  at  that  pei-iod,  raiher  for  the  agre- 
mens  it  held  forth,  than  with  any  serious  view  to  advancement  in  it  as  a  pro- 
fession. Still  he  entertained  the  praiseworthy  desire  of  being  something  more 
than  what  is,  among  military  men,  emphatically  termed  a  featlKT-lied  soldier. 
Not  that  we  mean,  however,  to  assert  lie  was  not  a  feather-bed  soldier  in  its 
more  liter.al  sen,se ;  in  fact,  his  own  observations,  recorded  in  the  early  part 
of  this  volume,  sufMeiently  prove  his  predilection  for  the  indulgence  of  press- 
ing his  downy  couch  to  what  is  termed  a  decent  hour  in  the  day. 

We  need  scarcely  state  Sir  I'jverard's  tb.eories  on  this  imjxirtant  sulijcct 
were  seldom  reduced  to  pi'acticc  ;  for.  even  long  before  the  Indians  had  bro- 
ken out  into  open  hostility,  when  such  precautions  were  rendered  indisi)ensa- 
ble.  Colonel  de  Ihddimar  had  never  sufi'ercd  either  otlieer  or  man  to  linger  on 
his  pillow  aficr  the  first  faint  dawn  had  appeared.  This  was  a  .sy.stcm  to 
which  Sir  Everard  could  never  reconcile  himself.  '•  if  the  men  nnist  be 
drilled,"  he  urged.  •  wilh  a  view  to  their  liealth  and  di,sci))line,  why  not  place 
them  tuuler  the  direction  of  (he  adjutant  or  the  officer  of  the  day,  whoever  he 
miglit  chance  to  be,  and  not  imnecessarily  disturl)  a  body  of  gentlemen  from 
tlieir  comfortable  slumiiers  at  that  unconscionable  hour  ?''  Poor  Sir  Everard  ! 
tfuK  wxi  the  imly  grievance  of  whioii  he  complained,  and  he  com])lained 
bitterly.  Scarcely  a  morning  passed  without  his  inveighing  loudly  against 
the  barbarit}-  of  sucii  a  custom ;  threatening  at  the  same  time,  amid  tlic 
laughter  of  his  comj)anions,  to  quit  the  jervice  in  disgust  at  what  he  called  so 
ungentlemanly  and  gothic  a  lial)it ;  and,  Ijut  foi-  two  motives,  tliei'c  is  every 
probability'  he  would  have  .seriou.slj-  availed  himself  of  the  earliest  opportunity 
of  retiring.  The  fiist  of  these  was  his  growing  friendship  for  the  amiable 
and  gentle  Charles  de  Ilaldimar ;  the  second,  the  secret,  and  scarcely  to  him- 
self acknowledged,  interest  which  had  been  created  in  his  heart  for  his  sistei* 


sf 


% 


44 


w 


A  C  O IJ  8  T  A  i 


0  R, 


THE     PROPHECY 


Clara ;  whom  ho  only  knew  from  the  glowing  dcHcriptions  of  his  fi  iond,  and 
the  strong  resemblance  she  was  said  to  bear  to  him  by  the  other  oflicers. 

Clara  de  Haldimar  was  the  constant  theme  of  her  younger  brother's  praise. 
Her  image  was  ever  uppermost  in  his  thoughts — her  name  ever  hovering  on 
his  lips ;  and  when  alone  with  his  friend  Valletort,  it  was  his  delight  to  dwell 
on  the  worth  and  accomplishments  of  his  amiable  and  beloved  sister.  Then, 
indeed,  would  his  usually  calm  blue  eye  sparkle  with  the  animation  of  his 
subject,  while  his  coloring  cheek  marked  all  the  warmth  and  sincerity  with 
which  ho  bore  attestation  to  her  gentleness  and  her  goodiies-s.  The  heart  of 
Charles  de  Ilaldimnr,  soldier  as  he  was,  was  pure,  generous,  and  unsophisti- 
cated as  that  of  the  sister  whom  he  so  constantl}'  eulogised ;  and.  wliile  list- 
ening to  his  eloquent  praises.  Sir  Everard  learnt  to  feel  an  interest  in  a  being 
whom  all  declared  to  be  the  counterpart  of  her  brother,  as  well  in  personal 
attraction  as  in  singleness  of  nature.  With  all  his  aftected  levity,  and  not- 
withstanding his  early  initiation  into  fashionable  life — the  matter-of-fact  life 
which  strikes  at  the  existence  of  our  earlier  and  dearer  illusions — there  was  a 
dash  of  romance  in  the  character  of  the  young  baronet  which  tended  much  to 
inci'caso  the  pleasure  he  always  took  in  the  warm  descriptions  of  his  friend. 
The  very  circumstance  of  her  being  personally  unknown  to  him,  was,  with  Sir 
Eveiard.  an  additional  motive  for  interest  in  Miss  de  Haldimar. 

Imagination  and  mystery  generall}'^  work  their  way  together ;  and  as  there 
was  a  shade  of  mystery  attached  to  Sir  Everard's  very  ignorance  of  tiie  per- 
son of  one  whom  he  admiied  and  esteemed  from  report  alone,  imagination 
was  not  slow  to  improve  the  opportunity,  and  to  endow  the  object  with  char- 
acteristics, which  perhaps  a  more  intimate  knowledge  of  the  party  might  have 
led  him  to  qualifj\  In  this  mannei",  in  early  j'outh,  are  the  silken  and  will- 
ing fetters  of  the  generous  and  enthusiastic  forged.  We  invest  some  object, 
whose  praises,  whispered  secretly  in  the  ear,  have  glided  imperceptibly  to  the 
heart,  with  all  the  attributes  supplied  by  our  own  vivid  and  readil}-  according 
imaginations ;  and  so  accustomed  do  we  become  to  linger  on  the  picture,  we 
adore  the  semblance  with  an  ardor  which  the  original  often  fails  to  excite. 

We  do  not  say  Clara  do  Haldimar  Avould  have  fallen  short  of  the  high  esti- 
mate formed  of  her  worth  by  the  friend  of  her  brother ;  neither  is  it  to  Ije 
understood,  Sir  Everard  suffered  this  fair  vision  of  his  fancy  to  lead  him  into 
the  wild  and  labjTinthan  paths  of  boyish  romance. 

Whatever  were  the  impressions  of  the  young  baronet,  and  however  he  might 
have  been  inclined  to  suffer  the  fair  image  of  the  gentle  Clara,  such  as  he  was 
perhaps  wont  to  paint  it,  to  exercise  its  spell  upon  his  fancy,  certain  it  is,  he 
never  expressed  to  her  brother  more  than  that  esteem  and  interest  which  it 
was  but  natural  he  should  accord  to  the  sister  of  his  friend.  Neither  had 
Charles  dc  Haldimar,  even  amid  all  his  warmth  of  commendation,  ever  made 
the  slightest  allusion  to  his  sister,  that  could  be  construed  into  a  desire  she 
should  awaken  any  unusual  or  extraordinary  sentiment  of  preference.  Jfuch 
and  fervently  as  he  desired  such  an  event,  there  was  an  innate  sense  of  decorum, 
and  it  may  be  secret  pride,  that  caused  him  to  abstain  from  anj'  observation 
having  the  remotest  tendency  to  compromise  the  spotless  delicacy  of  his  ador- 
ed sister ;  and  such  he  would  have  considered  any  expression  of  his  own  hopes 
and  wishes,  where  no  declaration  of  preference  hud  been  previously  made. 
There  was  another  motive  for  this  reserve  on  the  part  of  the  young  officer. 
The  baronet  was  an  only  child,  and  would,  on  attaining  his  majority,  of  which 
he  wanted  only  a  few  months,  become  the  possessor  of  a  large  fortune.  His 
sister  Clai-a,  on  the  contrary,  had  little  beyond  her  own  fair  fame  and  the 
beauty  transmitted  to  her  by  the  mother  she  had  lost.  Colonel  de  Haldimar 
was  a  younger  son,  and  had  made  his  way  through  life  with  his  sword,  and 
an  unblemished  reputation  alone — advantages  he  had  shared  with  his  cliild- 
ren,  for  the  two  eldest  of  whom  his  interest  and  long  services  had  procured 
commissions  in  his  own  regiment. 

But  even  wjiile  Charles  de  Haldimar  abstained  from  all  expression  of  bis 


wacoubta;    or,   the    prophecy, 


45 


hopes,  ho  had  fully  made  up  his  mind  that  Sir  Everard  and  his  sister  were  so 
formed  for  each  other,  it  was  nc.rt  to  an  impossibility  they  could  meet  with- 
out loving.  In  one  of  his  letters  to  the  latter,  he  had  alluded  to  his  friend 
in  terms  of  so  high  and  earnest  panegyric,  that  Clara  had  acknowledged,  in 
reply,  she  was  prepared  to  find  in  the  young  baronet  one  whom  she  should 
regard  with  partiality,  if  it  were  only  on  account  of  the  friendship  subsisting 
between  him  and  her  brother.  This  admission,  however,  was  communicated 
in  confidence,  and  the  young  officer  had  religiously  preserved  his  sister's  secret. 

These  and  fifty  other  recollections  now  crowded  on  the  mind  of  the  sufferer, 
only  to  render  the  intensity  of  his  anguish  more  complete ;  among  the  bit- 
terest of  which  was  the  certainty  that  the  mysterious  events  of  the  past  night 
had  raised  up  an  insuperable  barrier  to  this  union ;  for  how  could  Clara  do 
Haldimar  become  the  wife  of  him  whose  hands  were,  however  innocently, 
stained  with  the  life-blood  of  her-  brother !  To  dwell  on  this,  and  the  loss 
of  that  brother,  wa-s  little  short  of  madness,  and  yet  De  Haldimar  could 
think  of  nothing  else;  nor  for  a  period  could  the  loud  booming  of  the 
cannon  from  the  ramparts,  every  report  of  which  shook  his  chamber  to 
its  very  foundations,  call  oft'  his  attention  from  a  subject  which,  while 
it  pained,  engrossed  every  faculty  and  absorbed  every  thought.  At  length, 
towards  the  close,  he  called  faintly  to  the  old  and  faithful  soldier,  who, 
at  the  foot  of  the  bed,  stood  watching  every  change  of  his  master's  coun- 
tenance, to  know  the  cause  of  the  cannonade.  On  being  informed  the  bat- 
teries in  the  rear  were  covcryig  the  retreat  of  Captain  Erskine,  who,  in  his 
attempt  to  obtain  the  body,  had  been  surprised  by  the  Indians,  a  new  direc- 
tion was  temporarily  given  to  his  thoughts,  and  he  now  manifested  the  ut- 
most impatience  to  know  the  result.  ' 

In  a  few  minutes  Morrison,  who,  in  defiance  of  the  surgeon's  strict  order 
not  on  any  account  to  quit  the  room,  had  flown  to  obtain  some  intelligence 
which  he  trusted  might  remove  the  anxiety  of  his  suffering  master,  again 
made  his  appearance,  stating  the  corpse  was  already  secured,  and  close  under 
the  guns  of  the  fort,  beneath  which  the  detachment,  though  hotly  assailed 
from  the  forest,  were  also  fast  retreating. 

"  And  is  it  really  my  brother,  Morrison  ?  Are  you  quite  certain  that  it  is 
Captain  de  Haldimar  ?"  asked  the  young  officer,  in  the  eager  accents  of  one 
who,  with  the  fullest  conviction  on  his  mind,  yet  grasps  at  the  faintest  shadow 
of  a  consoling  doubt.  "  Tell  me  that  it  is  not  my  brother,  and  half  of  what 
I  possess  in  the  world  sh.all  be  yours." 

The  old  soldier  brushed  a  tear  from  his  eye.  '•  God  bless  you,  Mr.  de  Hal- 
dimar, I  would  give  half  my  grey  hairs  to  be  able  to  do  so  j  but  it  is,  indeed, 
too  truly  the  captain  who  has  been  killed.  I  saw  the  very  wing's  of  his  regi- 
mentals as  he  lay  on  his  face  on  the  litter." 

Charles  de  Haldimar  groaned  aloud.  "  Oh  God  !  oh  God  !  would  that  I 
had  never  lived  to  see  this  day."  Then  springing  suddenly  up  in  his  bed — 
"  Morrison  where  are  my  clothes  ?  I  insist  on  seeing  my  slaughtered  brother 
myself" 

■'  Good  Heaven,  sir,  consider,"  said  the  old  man,  approaching  the  bed,  and 
attempting  to  replace  the  covering  which  hfid  been  spurned  to  its  very  foot, — 
'•  consider  you  are  in  a  burning  fever,  and  the  slightest  cold  may  kill  you  alto- 
gether. The  doctor's  orders  are,  you  were  on  no  account  to  get  up."  The 
effort  made  by  the  unfortunate  youth  was  momentary.  Faint  from  the  blood 
he  had  lost,  and  giddy  from  the  excitement  of  his  feelings,  he  sunk  back  ex- 
hausted on  his  pillow,  and  wept  like  a  cliild. 

Old  Morrison  shed  tears  also  ;  for  his  heart  bled  foi-  the  sufferings  of  one 
whom  he  had  nursed  and  played  with  even  in  early  infancy,  and  whom,  al- 
though his  master,  he  regarded  with  the  affection  he  would  have  borne  to  his 
own  diild.  ils  he  had  justly  observed,  he  would  have  willingly  given  half 
hia  remaining  years  to  be  able  to  remove  the  source  of  the  sorrow  which  so 
deepl}-  oppressed  him. 


40 


W  A  C  O  IT  S  T  A  :      OR,     THE      PROPHECY. 


AVlicn  this  paroxysm  Iiiid  Hoinowyiiif,  subsided,  De  Haldirnar  bocaiiic  moro 
'.'omposi'd ;  but  his  was  ratlier  that  coinposuix)  which  p'owsoutol'  the  npiitliy 
produced  by  ovcrwhehuing  grief,  than  tlic  result  of  any  relief  alibrded  to  his 
siiflbring-  heart  by  tlie  tears  he  had  shed.  Ho  had  continued  some  time  in 
tins  laiiit  and  apparently  ti-anquil  sUito,  when  confused  sounds  in  the  barrack- 
yard,  followed  by  the  laisinir  of  the  heavy  drawbridp^e.  annoumied  the  return 
of  the  detachment.  A^ain  he  started  up  in  his  bed  and  demanded  his  clothes, 
declnriuf!,-  his  intention  to  go  out  and  receive  the  corpse  of  his  murdered  broth- 
er. All  opposition  on  the  part  of  the  faithful  Morrison  was  now  likely  to 
prove  frnitlesN.  when  suddenly  the  door  opened,  and  an  otiieer  burst  hurriedly 
into  the  room. 

"  Courage  !  courage  !  my  dear  De  Ilaldimar ;  T  am  the  bearer  of  good  news. 
Your  brother  is  not  tlie  person  who  has  been  slain." 

Agtiin  Do  Ilaldimar  sank  back  upon  his  pillow,  overwholmcd  by  a  variety 
of  coiiUicting  emotions.  A  moment  afterwards,  and  he  exclaimed  reproach- 
fully, yet  almost  gasping  wilii  the  eagerness  of  his  manner, — 

"'For  (lod's  sake,  Sujimers — in  tlic  name  of  conunon  humanity,  do  not  trifle 
with  my  feeliu'^s.  if  you  would  seek  to  lull  me  with  false  hopes,  you  are 
wrong.  I  am  prepared  to  hear  and  bear  tho  worst  at  present ;  but  to  bo 
undeceived  again  would  break  my  heart." 

■'  I  s'.vear  to  you  by  every  thing  \  have  been  taught  to  revere  as  sacred," 
.solemnly  returned  Ensign  Sunmers,  deeply  touched  by  the  affliction  ho  wit- 
nessed, "  what  I  .state  is  strictly  true.  Captain  Erskiuo  him.seJf  .sent  mo  to 
tell  yon.'" 

"  What,  is  he  only  wounded  then  ?"  and  a  glow  of  mingled  hope  and  satis- 
faction was  visible  even  through  the  flush  of  previous  excitement  on  the  check 
of  the  sufferer.  "  Quick,  Morrison,  give  me  my  clothes.  AVhere  is  nvy  broth- 
er, Sunmers?"  and  again  he  rai.scd  yp  his  debilitated  frame  with  the  intention 
of  quilling  his  couch. 

"  De  llaklimar,  my  dear  Do  Ilaldimar,  compose  j^ourself  and  listen  to  me. 
YoTir  brother  is  still  missing,  siud  we  are  as  nnich  in  the  dark  about  his  fate 
•d:<  ever.  AU  that  is  <'ertain  is,  we  have  no  positive  knowledge  of  his  death; 
but  surely  that  is  a  thousand  times  preferable  to  the  horrid  apprehensions 
under  wliich  we  have  all  hitherto  labored." 

"  What  mean  you,  Sunmers  ?  or  am  I  so  bewildered  with  my  suflcrings  as 
not  to  comprehend  you  clearly?  Nay,  nay,  forgive  me;  but  I  am  almost 
heart-broken  at  this  loss,  and  scarcely  know  what  I  say.  But  what  is  it  you 
mean  ?     I  saw  my  imhappy  brother  lying  on  the  common  with  my  own  eyes. 

Poor  Valletort  himself ■"  here  a  rush  of  bitter  recollections  flashed  on  the 

memor\'  of  the  young  man.  and  the  tears  coursed  each  othei  rapidly  down 
h's  cheek.  Ilis'emotion  lasted  a  few  moments,  and  he  pursued, — "  Poor  Val- 
letort himself  saw  him,  for  he  was  nearly  as  much  overwhelmed  with  afflic- 
tion as  [  was ;  and  even  Morrison  beheld  him  also,  not  ten  minutes  since, 
under  the  very  walls  of  the  fort ;  nay,  distinguished  tho  wings  of  his  uniform ; 
and  yet  you  would  persuade  mc  my  brother,  instead  of  being  brought  in  a 
corpse,  is  still  missing  and  alive.  This  is  little  better  than  trifling  with  my 
wretchedness,  Sunmers."  and  again  he  sank  back  exhausted  on  his  pillow. 

"  I  can  easily  forgive  your  doubts,  De  Ilaldimar,"  returned  the  sympathis- 
ing Sunmers,  taking  the  hand  of  his  companion,  and  pres.sing  it  gently  in  his 
own  ;  •'  for,  in  truth,  there  is  a  great  deal '  of  mystery  attached  to  the  whole 
affair.  I  have  not  seen  the  body  myself;  but  I  distinctly  heard  Captain 
Erskine  state  it  certainly  was  not  your  brother,  and  he  re(iucstcd  me  to  ap- 
prise both  Sir  Everard  Valletort  and  yourself  of  tho  fact." 

"  Who  is  the  murdered  man,  then  ?  and  how  comes  he  clad  in  the  uniform 
of  one  of  oin-  ofTK'ers  ?  [*sl>a\v  !  it  is  too  absurd  to  be  civdited.  Eiskine  is 
mi.stakcn — he  must  bo  mistMken — it  can  be  no  other  than  my  poor  brother 
Frederic!;.     Smriu'TS.  T  am  sick,  f.iint.  with  this  cruel  uncertainty:  go,  my 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      O  R  ,     T  II  K      1'  tl  O  P  }I  E  C  Y  . 


47 


<lear  fellow,  at  oncu,  and  cxmuinu  the  body  ;  then  retiuii  to  mc,  and  satisfy 
my  doubts,  if  possible." 

"  MoHt  willingly,  if  yon  desire  it,"  returned  Runniers,  moving  towards  tho 
door ;  "  but  believe  mo,  J)c  Ilaldimar,  you  may  make  your  mind  tranquil  on 
the  subject — Ersldno  spoko  with  certtiinty." 

"  Have  yon  seen  Valietort  ?"  asked  l)e  Ilaldimar,  while  an  involuntary  shud- 
der pervaded  his  frame. 

"  I  have.  He  flew  on  the  instant  to  make  further  inquiries ;  and  was  in  tho 
act  of  going  to  examine  the  body  of  tho  murdered  man  when  I  came  here. 
But  here  he  is  himself,  and  his  countenance  is  the  horbinger  of  any  thing  but 
a  denial  of  my  intelligence." 

"  Oh,  ('hurles.  what  a  weight  of  misery  has  been  removed  from  my  heart !" 
exclaimed  that  ofticer,  now  rushing  to  the  bedside  of  his  friend,  and  seizing 
his  extended  haad, — "  Your  brother,  let  ua  hope,  still  lives."  •  • 

"  Almighty  (J  oil,  I  thank  tliee !"  fervently  ejaculated  De  Haldimar ;  and 
then,  overcome  with  joy,  surprise,  and  gratitude,  ho  again  sank  biick  upon  his 
pillow,  sobbing  and  weeping  violently. 

Sumners  had,  with  delicate  t^ict,  retired  tho  moment  Sir  Everard  made  his 
appearance :  for  he.  as  well  a*i  the  whole  body  of  officers,  was  aware  of  the 
close  friendship  that  subsisted  between  the  young  men. 

AVe  shall  not  attempt  to  paint  all  that  passed  between  the  fi-iends  during 
the  first  interesting  moments  of  an  interview  which  neither  had  expected  to 
enjoy  again,  or  the  delight  and  satisfaction  with  which  they  congratulated 
themselves  on  the  futility  of  those  fears,  which,  if  realised,  must  have  embit- 
tered every  future  moment  of  their  lives  with  the  most  harrowing  recol- 
lections. 

With  that  facility  with  which  in  youth  the  generous  and  susceptible  are 
prone  to  exchange  their  tears  for  smiles,  as  some  i)owerful  motive  for  the  re- 
action may  pi'onipt,  the  invalid  had  already,  and  for  the  moment,  lest  sight  of 
the  painful  pa.st  in  the  pleasurable  present,  so  that  his  actual  excitement  was 
strongly  in  contrast  with  the  melancholy  he  had  so  recently  exhibited.  Never 
had  Charles  de  Haldimar  api)eared  so  eminently  handsome ;  and  yet  his  beauty 
resembled  that  of  a  frail  and  de''catc  woman,  rather  than  that  of  one  called  to 
the  manly  and  arduous  profession  of  a  soldier.  The  large,  blue,  long,  dark- 
lashed  eye,  in  which  a  shade  oflangor  harmonized  with  the  soft  but  animated 
expression  of  the  i^-hole  counteiiiuice, — the  dimpled  mouth, —  the  small,  clear, 
and  even  teeth, — all  these  now  cliar:icterised  Charles  do  Haldimar;  and  if  to 
these  we  add  a  voice  rich,  full,  antl  melodious,  and  a  smile  sweet  and  fascinat- 
ing, we  shall  be  at  no  loss  to  account  for  the  I'cadiness  with  which  Sir  Everard 
suffered  his  imagination  to  draw  on  the  brother  for  those  attributes  he  .ascribed 
to  the  sister. 

It  was  while  this  impression  was  strong  upon  his  fancy,  he  took  occasion  to 
remark,  in  reply  to  an  observation  of  De  Haldimar's,  alluding  to  the  despair 
with  which  his  sister  would  have  been  seized,  had  she  known  one  brother  had 
fallon  by  the  hand  of  the  friend  of  the  other. 

"  The  grief  of  mj^  own  heart,  Charles,  on  this  occasion,  would  have  Ijeen 
little  inferior  to  her  own.  The  truth  is,  my  feelings  during  the  last  three 
hours  have  let  me  into  a  secret,  of  the  existence  of  which  I  was,  in  a  gieat  de- 
gree, ignorant  until  then :  I  scarcely  know  how  to  express  myself,  for  the 
communication  is  so  truly  absurd  and  romantic  you  will  not  credit  it."  He 
paused,  hesitated,  and  then,  as  if  determined  to  anticipate  the  ridicule  he  seemed 
to  feel  woidd  be  attached  to  his  confession,  with  a  forced  half  laugh  pursued : 
''  The  fadt  is,  Charles,  I  have  been  so  much  used  to  listen  to  your  warm  and 
eloquent  praises  of  your  sister,  I  have  absolutely,  I  will  not  say  fallen  in  love 
with  (that  would  be  going  too  far),  but  conceived  so  strong  an  interest  in  her, 
that  my  most  ardent  desire  would  be  to  find  favor  in  her  eyes.  AVhat  say 
j-ou,  my  friend  ?  are  you  inclined  to  forward  my  suit :  and  if  so.  is  there  any 
chance  for  me,  think  you.  with  herself?" 


X 


48 


wacousta;    or,   the    propiircy. 


The  breast  of  Charles  dc  Ilaldimar,  who  had  listened  with  deep  luid  ineroas* 
ine  attention  to  this  avowal,  swelled  high  with  plensureablc  excitement,  and 
raising  himself  up  in  his  bed  with  one  hand,  whil6  he  grnspcd  one  of  Sir 
Everard's  with  the  other,  ho  exclaimed  with  a  transport  of  aft'oction  too  forci- 
ble to  be  controlled, — 

"  Oh,  Valletort,  Valletort !  this  is,  indeed,  all  that  was  wanting  to  complete 
my  happiness.  My  sister  Clara  I  adore  with  all  the  affection  of  my  nature  ; 
I  love  her  liettor  than  my  own  life,  which  is  wrapped  up  in  hers.  She  is  an 
angel  in  disposition, — all  that  is  dear,  tender,  and  attectionate, — all  that  is 
gentle  and  lovely  in  woman ;  one  whose  welfare  is  dearer  far  to  mo  than  my 
own,  and  without  whose  presence  I  could  not  live.  Valletort,  that  prize, — 
that  dearer  half  of  myself,  is  yours, — yours  for  ever.  I  have  long  wished  you 
should  love  each  other,  and  I  felt,  when  you  mot,  you  would.  If  I  have 
hithtt-fo  forborne  from  expressing  this  fondest  wi.sh  of  my  heart,  it  has  been 
from  delicacy — from  a  natural  fear  of  compromising  the  piu-ity  of  my  adored 
Clara.  Now,  however,  you  have  confessed  yourself  interested,  by  a  descrip- 
tion that  falls  fur  short  of  the  true  merit  of  that  dear  girl,  I  can  no  longer  dis- 
guise my  gratification  and  delight.  Valletort,"  he  concluded,  impressively, 
"  there  is  no  other  man  on  earth  to  whom  1  would  say  so  much ;  but  you 
were  formed  for  e.ich  other,  and  you  will,  you  must,  be  the  husband  of  my 
sister." 

If  the  youthful  ahd  affectionate  De  Ilaldimar  was  happy,  Sir  Everard  was 
no  less  so ;  for  already,  with  the  enthusiasm  of  a  young  man  of  twenty,  he 
painted  to  himself  the  entire  fruition  of  those  dreams  of  happiness  that  had 
.so  loiv;;  been  familiarised  to  his  imagination. 

A  single  knock  was  now  hoard  at  the  door  of  the  apartment ;  is  was  opened, 
and  a  sergeant  appeared  at  the  entrance. 

"  The  company  are  under  arms  for  punishment  parade,  Lieutenant  Valletort," 
said  the  man  touching  his  cap. 

In  an  instant,  the  visionary  prospects  of  the  young  men  gave  place  to  the. 
stern  realities  connected  with  that  announcement  of  punishment.  The  treason 
of  Halloway, — the  absence  of  Frederick  De  Ilaldimar, — the  danger  by  which 
they  were  beset, — and  the  little  probability  of  a  re-union  with  those  who  were 
most  dear  to  them, — all  those  recollections  now  fla.shed  across  their  minds  with 
the  rapidity  of  thought ;  and  the  conversation  that  had  so  recently  passed  be- 
tween them  seemed  to  leave  no  other  impression  than  whaii  is  produced  from 
some  visionary  speculation  of  the  moment. 


CHAPTER  VII. 

As  the  bells  of  of  the  fort  tolled  the  tenth  hour  of  morning,  the  groups  of 
dispersed  soldiery,  warned  by  the  rolling  of  the  assembly  drum,  once  more 
fell  into  their  respective  ranks  in  the  order  described  in  the  opening  of  this 
volume.  Soon  afterwards  the  prisoner  Halloway  was  re-conducted  into  the 
square  by  a  strong  escort,  who  took  their  stations  as  before  in  the  immediate 
centre,  where  the  former  stood  principally  conspicuous  to  the  o))Sprvation  of 
his  comrades.  Ilis  countenance  was  paler,  and  had  less,  perhaps,  of  the  in- 
diflerencc  ho  had  previously  manifeste<l ;  but  to  supply  this  there  was  a  cer- 
tain subdued  air  of  calm  dignity,  and  a  composure  that  sprang,  doubtless, 
from  the  consciousness  of  the  new  character  in  which  he  now  appoar^jd  before 
his  superiors.  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  almost  immediately  followed  and  with 
him  were  the  principal  staff  of  the  garrison,  all  of  whom,  with  the  exception 
of  the  sick  and  wounded  and  their  attendants,  were  piesent  to  a  man.  The 
former  took  from  the  hands  of  the  adjutant,  Lawson,  a  large  packet,  consisting 
of  several  sheets  of  folded  paper  closely  written  upon.  These  were  the  pro- 
ceedings of  the  court-martial. 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


49 


Afte'  onnmcratinri;  the  Kcrcru]  charges,  and  detailing  the  evidence  of  the 
witnesdos  examined,  the  governor  camo  at  length  to  the  finding  and  Bcnttmoe 
of  the  court,  whicJi  were  as  followH : — 

''  Tho  court  having  duly  considered  the  evidence  adduced  against  the  pri»- 
oner,  private  Frank  Ilalloway,  together  with  what  ho  has  urged  in  his  defence, 
are  of  opinion. — 

"That  with  regard  to  the  first  charge,  it  is  not  proved. 

"That  with  regard  to  the  second  charge,  it  is  not  proved. 

"  That  with  regard  to  the  tliird  charge,  even  by  his  own  voluntary  confes- 
sion, the  prisoner  is  g'tilty. 

"  The  court  havinji,'  found  the  prisoner  jnivate  Frank  Ilalloway  guilty  of  tho 
third  charge  preferred  against  liini.  which  is  in  direct  violation  of  a  standing 
order  of  the  garrison  entailing  capital  punishment,  do  hereby  sontenco  him, 
the  said  i)risoner,  private  Frank  Ilalloway,  to  bo  shot  to  death  at  such  time 
and  place  as  the  otticer  commanding  may  deem  fit  to  appoint." 

Although  the  utmost  orchjr  j)ervade(l  th(!  ranks,  every  breath  had  been  sua- 
pendcd,  every  car  stretched  during  tlie  reading  of  tho  sentence ;  and  now  that 
it  came  arrayed  in  terror  and  in  Ijlood.  every  glance  was  turned  in  pity  on  its 
unhapp}"^  victim.  Rut  Ilalloway  heard  it  with  th«  ears  of  one  who  has  made 
up  his  mind  to  suller;  and  the  faini  half  smile  that  played  upon  his  lips 
spoke  more  in  scorn  than  in  sorrow.     Colonel  de  Haldimar  pursued  : — 

"  The  court  having  foimct  it  imperatively  incumbent  on  them  to  award  the 
punishment  of  death  to  the  prisoner,  priviite  Frank  Ilalloway,  at  the  same 
time  gladly  avail  themselves  of  their  privilege  by  strongly  recommending  him 
to  mercy.  The  court  cannOt,  in  justice  to  the  cliaracter  of  the  prisoner,  refrain 
from  expressing  their  unanimous  conviction,  that  notwithstanding  the  myste- 
rious circumstances  which  have  led  to  his  confinement  and  trial,  ho  is  entirely 
innocent  of  the  treachery  ascribed  to  him.  The  court  have  founded  this  con- 
viction on  tho  excellent  character,  both  on  duty  and  in  the  field,  hitherto 
homo  by  the  prisoner, — his  well-known  attachment  to  the  officer  with  whose 
abduction  he  stands  charged, — and  tho  manly,  open,  and  (as  tho  court  are 
satisfied)  correct  history  given  of  his  former  life.  It  is,  moreover,  the  im- 
pression of  the  court,  that,  as  stated  by  the  prisoner,  his  guilt  of  the  third 
charge  has  lieen  the  result  only  of  his  attachment  for  Captain  de  Haldimar. 
And  for  this,  and  the  reasons  above  assigned,  do  they  strongly  recommend 
the  prisoner  to  mercy. 

(Signed)  "  Noel  Blessinoton,  Captain  and  President. 

"  Sentence  approved  and  confirmed. 

CHAHLEa  DE  Haldimah,  Colonol  and  Commandant." 

While  these  concluding  remarks  of  the  court  were  being  read,  the  prisoner 
manifested  the  deepest  emotion.  If  a  smile  of  scorn  had  previou.sly  played 
upon  his  lip,  it  was  because  he  fiuicied  the  court,  before  whom  he  had  sought 
to  vindicate  his  fame,  had  judged  him  with  a  severity  not  inferior  to  his  colo- 
nel's ;  but  now  that,  in  the  presence  of  his  companions,  he  heard  tho  flatter- 
ing attestation  of  his  services,  coupled  even  as  it  was  with  the  sentence  that 
condemned  him  to  die,  tears  of  gratitude  and  pleasure  rose  despite  of  himself 
to  his  eyes ;  and  it  required  all  his  self-command  to  enable  him  to  abgtain 
from  giving  expression  to  his  feelings  towards  those  who  had  so  generously 
interpreted  tho  motives  of  his  dereliction  from  duty.  But  when  the  melan- 
choly and  startling  fact  of  the  approval  and  confirmation  of  the  sentence  met 
his  ear,  without  the  .'ilightest  allusion  to  that  mercy  which  had  been  so  ur- 
gently recommended,  he  again  overcame  his  weakness,  and  exhibited  his 
wonted  air  of  calm  and  unconcern. 

"  Let  the  prisoner  be  removed,  Mr.  Lawson,"  ordered  the  governor,  whose 
stern  and  somewhat  dissatisfied  expression  of  countonance  was  the  only  com- 
ment on  the  recommendation  for  mercv. 


60 


wacouita;    or,   tmi    prophboy. 


Tho  order  wan  promptly  oxocutcii.  Once  moro  llallnway  loft  tho  nquare, 
and  WM  reronductMi  to  the  cull  ho  had  (»ociipicd  Nincu  tho  preceding  night. 

"  Major  Blackwater,"  ptirHUfid  the  frovernor,  "  let  n  detiichinent  cunHisting 
of  one-naif  the  garrinoii  he  got  in  readiness  to  leavt^  the  fort  within  tho  hour. 
Oaptain  Wentworth,  thre<!  pieces  of  Held  artillery  will  bo  required.  Let  them 
bo  got  ready  also."  Ho  then  ntli'ci  from  the  area,  while  the  oflicerH,  who 
had  just  received  his  cotnniands,  pre])ared  to  fulill  the  rcspectivo  dutien  as- 
eignod  thcni. 

Since  tho  first  alarm  of  tho  garrison  no  opi)ortiitiity  had  hitherto  been  af- 
forded the  oltieers  to  siiidch  tlie  slightest  rt'lVeshment.  Ailvantago  was  now 
taken  of  tho  short  interval  allowed  by  the  governor,  and  they  all  repaired  to 
the  mcHH-room,  where  their  breakfast  had  long  since  been  jirovided. 

"  Well,  Hlessington,"  remarked  (Captain  Krskine.  as  he  tilled  his  plato  for 
tho  third  time  from  a  large  luuiiich  of  venisoTi.  for  which  his  recent  skirmish 
with  tho  Indians  had  given  him  an  unusual  relish.  *'  so  it  appears  your  recom- 
mendation of  poor  Ifalloway  to  mercy  is  little  likely  to  be  atleniled  to.  Did 
you  remark  how  disjileased  the  colonel  lookeil  as  lie  bunj/ied  through  it  ?  One 
might  almost  bo  tempted  to  think  he  had  an  interest  in  the  man's  death,  so 
determined  does  he  ajipear  to  curry  his  [iDJut." 

Although  .several  of  his  compiinions,  perhaps,  felt  and  thought  tho  same, 
still  there  was  no  one  who  would  have  ventured  to  hvimv  his  real  sentiments 
in  so  imqiialilied  a  manner.  Indeed  such  an  observation  proceeding  from  tlio 
lips  of  any  other  ofHcer  would  have  ex(.'ited  the  utnioNl  surprise;  liul  CajUain 
Er.skine,  a  brave,  bold,  frank,  and  somewhat  thoughtless  soldier,  was  one  of 
those  beings  who  are  privileged  to  s:iy  luiylhiug.  His  opiuious  were  usually 
expressed  without  ceremory  ;  and  his  s|)eech  was  not  the  most  circumspect 
now,  a.s  since  his  return  to  the  fort  be  had  swallowed,  fiisting,  two  or  three 
glasses  of  a  favorite  spirit,  which,  without  intoxicating,  liad  greatly  excited 
him. 

"  T  remarkeil  enough,"  .«aid  ( 'aptain  MIessington,  wlio  .«at  leaning  his  head 
on  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he  occasionally,  and  almost  mechanically, 
raised  a  cup  lilled  with  a  li(iui(l  of  ])ale  blood  color  to  his  lip.s, — "quite 
enough  to  make  mc  regret  from  my  very  soul  I  should  have  been  his  prin- 
cipal judge.  Poor  Halloway,  I  pity  him  much;  lor,  on  my  honor,  I  believe 
him  to  be  tho  gentleman  he  represents  himself." 

"  A  finer  fellow  does  not  live."  remarked  the  last  remaining  ofllcer  of  tho 
grenadiers.  "  But  .surely  Colonel  de  Haldimar  ca^unot  mean  to  carry  the  .sen- 
tence into  elfect.  The  recommendation  of  a  court,  couched  in  such  terms  as 
these,  ought  alone  to  have  some  weight  with  him." 

"  It  is  quite  clear,  from  the  fact  of  his  having  been  remanded  to  his  cell,  the 
execution  of  the  poor  fellow  will  be  deferreil  at  least,"  ob.served  one  of  Cap- 
tain Erskine's  subalterns.  "  if  the  governor  had  intended  he  should  stifl'er 
immediately,  he  would  have  had  him  shot  the  moment  after  his  .sentence  was 
read.  But  what  is  the  meaning  and  object  of  this  new  sortie  ?  and  whither 
are  we  now  going  ?  IJo  you  know,  Captain  Erskinc,  our  company  is  again 
ordere<l  for  this  duty  ?" 

"  Know  it,  Leslie !  of  course  1  do ;  and  for  that  reason  am  I  paying  my 
court  to  the  more  substantial  part  of  the  breakfast.  Come,  Blessington,  mv 
dear  fellow,  you  have  quite  lost  your  appetite,  and  wo  may  have  sharp  work 
before  we  get  back.  Follow  my  example :  throw  that  nasty  blood-thicken- 
hig  sassafras  sway,  and  lay  a  foundation  from  this  venison.  None  sweeter  is 
to  be  found  in  the  forests  of  America.  A  few  slices  of  that,  and  then  a  glass 
each  of  my  best  Jamaica,  and  we  shall  have  strength  to  go  tlirough  the  ex- 
pedition, if  its  object  bo  the  capture  of  the  bold  Ponteac  him,self." 

"I  presume  the  object  is  rather  to  seek  for  Captain  de  Haldimar,"  said 
Lieutenant  Boyce,  the  officer  of  the  grenadiers ;  ''  but  in  that  case  why  not 
Bend  out  his  own  company  ?" 

"  Because  the  colonel  prefers  trustmg  to  cooler  heads  and  more  cxperienoed 


waoovsta;    or,   thk   propiirvt. 


'"  No  rclluctions. 
sliphtly  rcddoniiip; 


arraH,"  fi;oo(l-lumiort'(lly  "l>Ncrvc<l  Ciipttiin  KrHknu".  "  RluHsiiiRton  is  our  ■»- 
iiior,  luui  his  ini'ii  mr  all  old  Htii^erN.  My  IiuIh,  too,  have  hud  their  inettlo  np 
ah'cudy  tiiis  mdiiiiiiji,  and  there  is  notiiinji;  like  tiiat  to  prepare  men  for  » 
dash  of  enterprise.  It  is  with  tiiem  as  witli  blood  liorses,  the  more  you  put 
them  on  their  speed  the  less  anxious  are  they  to  (|uit  the  eonrse.  Well, 
Johnstone,  my  luave  Slot,  ready  for  another  skirkinish?"  lie  asked,  as  that 
otJicer  now  entered  to  satisfy  the  eravinRS  of  un  appetite  little  inferior  to  timt 
of  his  eaptain. 

"With  'nunquain  non  i)aratus' for  my  motto,"  paily  returned  the  young 
man,  ''it  were  odd,  indeed,  if  a  mere  serateh  like  this  shoidd  prevent  ntc  fwnn 
estahlishinp;  my  claim  to  it  by  following  wherever  my  pallant  eaptain  leads." 

"Most  courteously  spoken,  and  little  in  the  spirit  of  a  man  yet  smarting  umler 
the  inlliction  of  a  rifle  wound,  it  rniist  be  confessed,"  remarked  Lieutenant 
Leslie.  "  Hut,  .Johnstone,  you  should  bear  in  mind  a  too  close  adherence  to 
that  motto  has  been,  in  some  deiiree,  fatal  to  your  family." 

Leslie,  if  you  please,"  returned  his  brother  subaltern, 
'•  If  the  liead  of  our  family  was  unfortunate  enough  to 
bo  considered  a  traitor  to  Kiijrlanfl.  lu'  was  not  ,so,  at  least  to  Si'otland ;  and 
.Scotland  was  the  land  of  his  liirth.  Hut  let  his  political  errors  be  for!j;otten. 
Thoufih  the  winjictl  spni'  no  lonirer  a<lorn  the  Ixioted  heel  of  an  earl  of  An- 
nandale,  the  time  m;iy  not  be  far  distant  v.'hen  some  libei-al  and  popular  >nt>- 
narch  of  Knj^land  shall  ri'store  a  title  forfeited  neither  throuf;b  cowardice  nor 
dishonor,  but  from  an  erroncon-^  sense  of  duly." 

"That  is  to  say,"  muttered  I'hisi'in  Delnie,  kwkiiifr  round  for  an  aiiproTiil 
as  he  spoke,  "that  our  present  kin;;'  is  neitl\er  liberal  nor  popular.  Well,  ^fr. 
Tohnst(me,  were  such  an  oliservation  lo  reiicli  the  ears  ol'  (Jolonel  de  llaldiuiar 

■>u  would  stand  a  very  fair  chance  of  beinji  brought  to  a  court  martial." 
'  That  is  to  say  nothiiii^  of  the  kind,  sir,"  somewhat  tircely  retorted  tlw 
,,  ^uUR-  Scot ;  "  but  anything  I  do  .'-ay  you  are  at  liberty  to  repeat  to  Colonel 
do  IJaldimar,  or  whom  30U  will.  1  cannot  miderstand,  iicslie.  why  you 
should  have  made  any  allusion  to  the  misfortunes  of  my  family  at  this  par- 
ticular moment,  and  in  this  public  manner,  f  trust  it  was  not  with  a  view  to 
offend  mo  ;"  and  ho  fixed  his  larjre  black  eyes  jipoii  his  brother  subaltern,  ag 
if  he  would  have  read  every  thought  of  his  mind. 

"  Upon  my  lionor,  Johnstone,  1  meant  nothing  of  the  kind,"  frankly  ^^- 
turncd  Leslie.  "  I  merely  meant  to  hint  that  as  you  had  had  your  share  of 
service  this  morning,  you  might,  at  least,  have  sutt'ered  me  to  borrow  yonr 
spurs,  while  you  reposed  for  the  present  on  your  laurels." 

"  There  are  my  gay  and  gallant  Scots,"  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine,  at;  he 
swallowed  off  a  gla.ss  of  the  old  Jamaica  which  stood  before  him,  and  with 
which  he  usually  neutralised  the  acidities  of  a  meat  breakfa.st.  "  Settled  like 
gentlemen  and  lads  of  spirit,  as  ye  are,"  he  pursuc<l.  as  the  young  men  cor- 
dially shook  each  other's  hand  across  the  table.  "  What  an  enviable  com- 
mand is  mine,  to  have  a  company  of  brave  fellows  who  would  face  the  derfl 
himself  were  it  necessary  ;  and  two  hot  and  impatient  subs.,  who  are  roiidy 
to  cut  each  other's  throat  for  the  pleasure  of  accompanying  me  against  a  abt 
of  savages  that  are  little  better  than  so  many  devils.  Come,  Johnstone,  you 
know  the  colonel  allows  us  but  one  sub.  at  a  time,  in  consequence  of  our 
scarcity  of  officers,  therefore  it  is  but  fair  Leslie  should  have  his  turn.  It 
will  not  be  long,  I  dare  say,  before  we  shall  have  another  brush  with  the 
rascals." 

"In  my  opinion,"  observed  Captain  Blessington,  who  had  l»cen  a  siliint 
and  thoughful  witness  of  what  was  passing  around  him,  "  neither  Leslie  nor 
Johnstone  would  evince  so  nnich  anxiety,  were  they  aware  of  the  true  nature 
of  the  duty  for  which  our  companies  have  been  ordered.  Depend  upon  it,  it 
is  no  search  after  Captain  do  Haldimur  in  which  we  arc  about  to  bo  engaged  j 
for  much  as  the  colonel  loveii  his  son.  he  would  on  no  account  compromise 


68 


W  A  C  <)  I'  .S   I    A 


O  K 


T  H  K      i*  1!  O  P  11  E  C  V  . 


'm 


the  .safc'l y  of  (ho  sjarrisw).  hs'  KL'n(.liii,!i  a  pailv  into  liiu  Ibrc.si,  where  poor  De 
Haldimnr.  if  alive,  is  at  ali  likely  to  l)e  round." 

'•Faith  you  are  right,  Hlessin^toii :  llio  jiov^nior  is  not  one  to  run  these 
sort  of  risks  on  every  oi'iMsion.  My  chief  surprise,  indeed,  is,  tluit  lie  sullerod 
jne  to  venture  even  upon  the  common  ;  hut  if  we  are  not  designed  for  suuiu 
hostile  expedition,  wiiy  Ic-ne  ti:e  for(  ui,  all  ?" 

"Tho.  <(uestion  will  nyed  no  answer  if  Hallo  way  he  found  io  aceonipany  u«." 

"Psha!  wiiy  should  Hidloway  he  taken  out  for  tho  purpose?  If  "he  be 
shot  at  all,  ho  will  he  sliol  on  the  ramparts,  in  the  })resenee  of,  and  as  i;n  e.\- 
ample  to.  the  whole;  f:arrison.  Still,  on  r.'llection,  i  cannot  hiiL  think  it  im- 
possible the  sentence  .■-hould  l)e  earriod  into  full  filcet,  after  the  stro'.i;^'.  nay, 
the  almost  un})nce(kiiLcd  recomraendation  to  nieroy  recorded  on  the  face  of 
tho  procecdini's." 

Captain  Blessinpton  shook  his  head  despondinily.  •' What  think  you, 
Ersldnc,  of  the  policy  of  makinjr  an  example,  which  ma)'  be  witnessed  by  the 
enemy  as  well  as  the  ;;arrison  ?  It  is  evident,  from  his  demeanor  throughout, 
nothing  will  convince  the  colonel  that  Ilalloway  is  not  a  traitor,  and  h<  may 
think  it  ad, isahle  to  strike  t^'rior  into  the  minds  of  the  savages,  l>y  an  execu- 
tion which  will  have  the  elfect  of  showing  the  treason  of  the  soldier  to  liavc 
been  discovered.' 

In  tills  opinio.i  many  of  the  oflicers  now  concurred ;  and  as  tlie  IVite  of  tho 
unfortunate  Ilalloway  began  to  assume  a  chariU'ter  of  almost  certainty,  even 
the  .spirit  of  the  gallant  Erskine.  the  least  .subdued  by  the  recent  distressing 
event.s,  ivas  overclouded ;  and  all  sank,  as  if  by  one  consent,  into  silent  com- 
munion with  their  thoughts,  as  they  almost  mechanically  completed  the  meal, 
at  which  habit  rather  t'uau  ajipetite  still  continued  them.  Before  any  of  them 
had  yet  risen  from  the  table,  a  loud  and  piercing  screani  met  their  ears  from 
without ;  and  so  quick  and  universal  was  the  movement  it  produced,  that  its 
echo  had  .scarcely  yet  died  away  in  distance,  when  the  whole  of  the  breakfast 
party  had  issued  from  the  room,  and  were  already  spectators  of  the  cause. 

As  the  oflieers  now  pa-sed  from  the  mess-room  nearly  oppo.iiitc  to  the  gate, 
thcj'  observed,  at  that  purt  of  the  barnicks  which  rail  at  right  angles  with  it, 
and  immediately  in  front  of  the  a])iirtment  of  the  younger  T)e  Ilaldim.ir, 
whence  he  had  apjiiirently  Just  issued,  the  governor,  struggling,  though  gently, 
to  disengage  himself  from  a  female,  who,  with  disordered  hair  and  dress,  lay 
almo.st  prostrate  upon  the  j)iazza,  and  clasping  his  booted  leg  with  an  energy 
evidentlj-  borrowed  from  the  most  rooted  despair.  The  quick  eye  of  the 
haughty  man  had  already  rested  on  the  group  of  ofHccrs  drawn  by  the  scream 
of  the  supplicant.  iVunibcrs,  too,  of  the  men,  attracted  by  the  same  cause, 
were  collected  in  iiont  of  their  respective  block-houses,  and  looking  from  the 
windows  of  the  rooms  in  which  they  were  also  breakfasting,  preparatory  to 
the  expedition.  Vexed  and  irritated'  beyond  me!».^ure,  at  being  thus  made  a 
conspicuous  object  of  observation  to  his  inferiors,  the  unbending  governor 
made  a  violent  and  successful  ellbrt  to  disengage  his  leg  ;  and  then,  without 
uttering  a  word,  or  otherwise  noticing  the  unhappy  being  who  lay  extended 
at  his  feet,  he  stalked  across  the  jiarade  to  his  apartments  at  the  opposite  an- 
gle, without  appearing  to  manifest  the  slightest  consciousness  of  tho  .^cene  that 
had  awakened  such  universal  attention. 

Several  of  tho  officers,  among  whom  was  Captain  Blessingtoii,  now  hastened 
to  the  assistance  of  the  female,  whom  all  had  recognised,  from  the  first,  to 
be  the  interesting  and  mihappy  wife  of  Ilalloway.  Many  of.  the  comrades 
of  the  latter,  who  had  been  pained  and  pitjing  spectators  of  the  scene, 
also  advanced  for  the  same  purpose ;  but,  on  perceiving  their  object  an- 
ticipated Ijy  their  superiors,  they  withdrew  to  the  block-houses,  when.-e  they 
had  issued.  Never  was  grief  more  forcibly  depicted,  than  in  the  whole  ap 
pearance  of  this  unfortunate  woman ;  never  did  anguish  assume  a  character 
more  fitted  to  touch  the  soul,  or  to  comuiand  respect.  Iler  long  fair  hair, 
that  had  liitheito  been  liid  under  tJie  coarse  mob  cap,  usually  worn  by  the 


w 


A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      OR,     T  JI  E     1'  R  0  P  H  E  C  Y 


63 


wives  of  the  sokliurs,  was  now  ilivo'ted  of  all  I'ustciiiufr,  iuwl  lay  sliatlowing  a 
white  iind  polished  bosom,  which,  in  her  violent  stnifr<:;lcs  to  <Ie(,;un  tlie  gov- 
ernor, had  burst  from  its  rude  but  modest  conHnement,  and  was  now  dis- 
played in  all  the  dazzling  delicacy  of  youth  and  sex.  Tf  the  oflRcers  gazed 
for  a  moment  with  excited  look  upon  charms  that  h:id  long  been  strangers  to 
thc'r  sight,  and  of  an  order  thc^y  little  deijmed  to  (hid  in  Kllen  Ihdloway,  it 
was  but  the  involuntary  tribute  rendi.'red  by  niitinx-  u'.ito  beauty.  The  depth 
and  sacredness  of  that  sorrow,  wJ)i(.'ii  had  I'.il  the  'A-Tetched  womiin  uncon- 
scious of  her  exposure  in  the  instant  afterwia'd,-;  inipo  •  'd  a  che'-k  upon  ad- 
miration, which  each  felt  to  be  a  violation  of  the  first  pi  iiiciplcs  of  human 
delicacy,  and  the  feeling  was  repressed  ahuost  in  Hie  raoment  that  gave  it 
birth. 

They  were  innnediately  in  iVonl  of  ihe  rooi;!  ocv'Ujii'.  il  by  Ohiirlos  de  llaldi- 
mar.  in  the  piazza  of  which  were  a  few  old  chairs,  on  v]\k\\  the  officers  were  . 
in  the  habit  of  throwing  themselves  during  the  lu.it  of  the  day.  On  one  of 
these  Captain  IJlessington,  assisted  by  the  ofllcer  of  grenadiers,  now  seated 
the  suffering  and  sobbing  wife  of  Hallowaj*.  His  first  care  was  to  repair  the 
disorder  of  her  dress ;  and  never  was  the  office  performed  by  man  with 
greater  delicacy,  t)r  absence  of  levity  by  those  who  witnessed  it.  This  was 
the  first  moment  of  her  consciousness.  The  inA'ioIability  of  modesty  for  a 
moment  rose  paramount  even  to  the  desolation  of  Iv.'r  heart,  and  putting  rude- 
ly iiside  the  hand  that  reposed  unavoidably  upon  her  person,  the  poor  woman 
started  from  her  seat,  and  looked  wildly  about  her.  as  if  endeavoring  to  iden- 
tify those  by  whom  she  was  surrounded.  But  when  slie  observed  the  pitying 
gaze  of  the  officers  fixed  upon  her,  in  carn(!stness  and  (,'o?niniseration,  and  heard 
the  benevolent  accents  of  the  ever  kind  Blessington  exhorting  her  to  compo- 
sure, her  weeping  became  more  violent  and  her  sobs  more  convuh ive.  Cap- 
tain Blessington  threw  an  arm  round  her  waist  to  prevent  her  from  falling ; 
and  then  motioning  to  two  or  three  women  of  the  company  to  which  her  hus- 
band was  attached,  who  stood  at  a  little  distance,  in  front  of  one  of  the  block- 
houses, prepared  to  deliver  her  over  to  their  charge. 

"  No,  no,  not  yet !"  burst  at  length  from  the  agonised  woman,  as  she  shrank 
from  the  rude  but  well-intentioned  touch  of  the  sympathising  assistants,  who 
had  promptly  answered  the  signal ;  then,  as  if  obeying  some  new  direction 
of  her  feelings,  some  new  impulse  of  her  grief,  she  liberated  herself  from  the 
slight  grasp  of  Captain  Blessington,  turned  suddenlv  roimd,  and,  before  any- 
one could  anticipate  the  movement,  entered  an  opening  on  the  piazza,  raised 
the  latch  of  a  door  situated  at  its  extremity,  and  was,  in  the  next  instant,  in 
the  apartment  of  the  younger  De  Ilaldimar. 

The  scene  that  met  the  eyes  of  the  officers,  who  now  followed  close  after 
her,  was  one  well  calculated  to  make  an  impression  on  the  hearts  even  of  the 
most  insensible.  In  the  despair  and  recklessness  of  her  extreme  sorrow,  the 
young  wife  of  Ilalloway  had  already  thrown  herself  upon  her  knees  at  the 
bed  side  of  the  sick  officer ;  and,  with  her  hands  upraised  and  firmly  clasped 
together,  was  now  supplicating  him  in  tones,  contrasting  singularly  in  their 
gentleness  with  the  depth  of  the  sorrow  that  had  rendered  her  thus  regard- 
less of  appeai'ances,  and  insensible  to  observation. 

"  Oh,  Mr.  de  Ilaldimar !"  she  implored,  "  in  the  name  of  God  and  of  our 
blessetl  Saviour,  if  you  would  save  me  from  madness,  intercede  for  my  un- 
happy husband,  and  preserve  him  from  the  horrid  fate  that  awaits  him.  You 
are  too  good,  too  gentle,  too  amiable,  to  reject  the  pr.ayer  of  a  heart-broken 
woman.  Moreover,  Mr.  de  Ilaldimar,"  she  proceecled,  with  deeper  cnergj-, 
while  she  caught  and  pressed,  between  her  own  white  and  bloodless  hand.s, 
one  nearly  as  delicate  that  lay  extended  near  her,  "  con-iider  all  my  dear  but 
imfbrtunate  husband  has  done  tor  joiu'  family.  Think  of  the  blood  he  once 
spilt  in  the  defence  of  your  brother's  life  ;  that  brother,  through  whom  alone, 
oh  God  I  he  is  now  condemned  to  die.  Call  to  mind  the  days  and  nights  of 
luiguish  I  passed  near  his  couch  of  siifteringj  when  yet  writhing  beneath  the 


34 


WACO  r  ST  a:    or,  the   prophecy. 


i'i-. 


wound  aimed  at  the  life  of  Captain  de  Haldimar.  Almighty  Providence !"  she 
pursued,  in  the  same  impassioned  yet  plaintive  voice,  "  why  is  not  Miss  Clara 
here  to  plead  the  cause  of  the  innocent,  and  to  touch  the  stubhorn  heart  of 
her  merciless  father  ?  She  would,  indeed,  move  heaven  and  earth  to  save  the 
life  of  him  to  whom  she  so  oft(!n  vowed  eternal  ■•■ratitudc  and  af'knowledgment. 
Ah,  she  little  dreams  of  his  danger  now ;  or,  if  prayer  and  intercession  could 
avail,  my  husband  would  yet  live,  and  this  terrible  struggle  at  my  heart  would 
be  no  more." 

Overcome  by  her  emotion,  the  luifortunatc  woman  suffered  her  aching  head 
to  droop  upon  the  edge  of  the  bed.  and  her  sobbing  became  so  painfully  vio- 
lent, that  all  who  heard  her  expected,  at  cverj'  moment,  some  fatal  termina- 
tion to  her  immoderate  grief.  Charles  de  Haldimar  was  little  less  aifected; 
and  his  sorrow  was  the  more  bitter,  as  he  had  just  proved  the  utter  inefficacy 
of  anything  in  the  shape  of  appeal  to  his  inflexible  father. 

"Mrs.  Ilalloway,  my  dear  Mrs.  Ilalloway,  compose  yourself,"  Sh[\  Captain 
Blessington,  now  approaching,  and  endeavoring  to  raise  her  gently  from  the 
floor,  on  which  she  still  knelt,  while  her  hands  even  more  firmly  grasped  that 
of  De  Haldijnar.  "  You  are  ill,  very  ill,  and  the  consequence  of  this  dreadful 
excitement  may  be  fatal.  Be  advised  by  me,  and  retire.  I  have  desired  my 
room  to  be  prepared  for  you,  and  Sergeant  Wilmot's  wife  shall  remain  with 
you  as  long  as  you  may  require  it. 

"  No,  no,  no !"  she  again  exclaimed  with  energy,  "  what  care  I  for  my  own 
wretched  life — my  beloved  and  unhappy  husband  is  to  die.  Oh  God  !  to  die 
without  guilt — to  be  cut  off  in  his  youth — to  be  shot  as  a  traitor — and  that 
simply  for  obeying  the  wishes  of  the  officer  whom  he  loved  ! — the  son  of  the 
man  who  now  spurns  all  supplication  from  his  presence.  It  is  inhuman,  it  is 
unjust — and  Heaven  will  punish  the  hard-hearted  man  who  murders  him — 
yes,  murders  him  !  for  such  a  punishment  for  such  an  offence  is  nothing  less 
tlian  murder."  Again  she  wept  bitterly,  and  as  Captain  Blessington  still  es- 
sayed to  soothe  and  raise  her : — '"  No,  no  !  I  will  not  leave  this  spot,"  she  con- 
tinued ;  "  1  will  not  quit  the  side  of  3Ir.  De  Haldimar,  until  he  pledges  him- 
self to  intercede  for  my  poor  husband.  It  is  his  duty  to  save  the  life  of  him 
who  saved  his  brother's  life ;  and  God  and  human  justice  are  with  my  appeal. 
Oh,  tell  me,  then,  Mr.  de  Haldimar, — if  you  would  save  my  wretched  heart 
from  breaking, — tell  me  you  will  intercede  for,  and  obtain  the  pardon  of  my 
husband  1" 

As  she  concluded  this  last  sentence  in  passionate  appeal,  she  had  risen  from 
her  knees ;  and,  conscious  only  of  the  importance  of  the  boon  solicited,  now 
threw  herself  upon  the  breast  of  the  highly  pained  and  agitated  young  officer. 
Her  long  and  beautiful  hair  fell  floating  over  his  face,  and  mingled  with  his 
own,  while  her  arms  were  wildly  clasped  around  him,  in  all  the  energy  of 
.frantic  and  hopeless  adjuration. 

"  Almighty  God !"  exclaimed  the  agitated  young  man,  as  he  made  a  feeble 
and  fruitless  effort  to  raise  the  form  of  the  unhappy  woman ;  "  what  shall  I 
say  to  impart  a  comfort  to  this  suffering  being  ?  Oh,  Mrs.  Halloway,"  he 
pursued,  "  I  would  willingly  give  all  I  possess  in  this  world  to  be  the  means 
of  saving  your  unfortunate  husband, — and  as  much  for  his  own  sake  as  for 
yoiirs  would  I  do  this ;  but,  alas !  I  have  not  the  power.  Do  not  think  I 
spunk  without  conviction.  My  father  has  just  been  with  me,  and  I  have 
pleaded  the  cause  of  your  husband  with  an  earnestness  I  should  scarcely  have 
used  had  n\y  own  life  been  at  stake.  But  all  my  entreaties  h.'ive  been  in  vain. 
He  is  obstinate  in  the  belief  my  brother's  strange  ab,«ence,  and  Donellan's 
death,  arc  utli'ibulable  only  to  the  treason  of  Ilalloway.  Still  there  is  a  hope. 
A  detachment  is  to  leave  the  fort  within  the  hoiir,  and  Ilalloway  is  to  accom- 
pany them.  It  may  be,  my  father  intends  this  measure  only  with  a  view  to 
terrify  him  to  a  confession  of  guilt ;  and  that  he  deems  it  politic  to  make  him 
undergo  all  the  fearful  preliminaries  without  carrying  the  sentence  itself  into 
effect." 


wacoitsta;    or,  the  prophecy. 


» 


The  unfortunate  woman  said  no  more.  When  she  raised  her  heaving  chest 
from  that  of  the  young  oflBcer,  her  eyes,  though  red  and  shrunk  to  half  their 
usual  size  with  weeping,  were  tearless ;  but  on  her  countenance  there  was  an 
expression  of  wild  woe,  infinitely  more  distressing  to  behold,  in  consequence 
of  the  almost  unnatural  check  so  suddenly  imposed  upon  her  feelings.  She 
tottered,  rather  than  walked,  through  the  group  of  officers,  who  gave  way  on 
cither  hand  to  let  her  pass ;  and  rejecting  ail  assistance  from  the  women  who 
had  followed  into  the  room,  and  who  now,  in  obedience  to  another  signal  from 
Captain  Blessington,  hastened  to  her  support,  finally  gained  the  door  and 
quitted  the  apartment. 


CHAPTER  VIII. 

The  sun  was  high  in  the  meridian,  as  the  second  detachment,  commanded 
by  Ck  '.onel  de  Haldiniar  in  person,  issued  from  the  fort  of  Detroit.  It  was 
that  soft  and  hazy  season,  peculiar  to  the  bland  and  beautiful  autumn  of  Ca- 
nada, when  the  golden  light  of  heaven  seems  as  if  transmitted  through  a  veil 
of  tissue,  and  all  of  animate  and  inanimate  nature,  expsinding  and  fructify- 
ing beneath  its  fostering  influence,  breathes  the  most  delicious  languor  and 
voluptuous  repose.  It  was  one  of  those  still,  calm,  warm,  and  genial  days, 
which  in  those  regions  come  under  the  vulgar  designation  of  the  Indian  sum- 
mer ;  a  season  that  is  ever  hailed  by  the  Canadian  with  a  satisfaction  propor- 
tioned to  the  extreme  sultriness  of  the  summer,  and  the  equally  oppressive 
rigor  of  the  winter,  by  which  it  is  immediately  preceded  and  followed. 

Such  a  day  as  that  we  have  just  described  was  the September,  1763, 

when  the  chief  portion  of  the  English  garrison  of  Detroit  issued  forth  from 
the  fortifications  in  which  they  had  so  long  been  cooped  up,  and  in  the  pre- 
sumed execution  of  a  duty  undeniably  the  most  trying  and  painful  that  ever 
fell  to  the  lot  of  soldier  to  perform.  The  detachment  wended  its  slow  and 
solemn  course,  with  a  mournful  pageantry  of  preparation  that  gave  fearful 
earnest  of  the  tragedy  expected  to  be  enacted. 

In  front,  and  dragged  by  the  hands  of  the  gunners,  moved  two  of  the  three 
three-pounders,  that  had  been  ordered  for  the  duty.  Behind  these  came  Cap- 
tain Blessington's  company,  and  in  their  rear,  the  prisoner  Halloway,  divested 
of  his  uniform,  and  clad  in  a  white  cotton  jacket,  and  a  cap  of  the  same  ma- 
terial. Six  rank  and  file  of  the  grenadiers  followed,  under  the  command  of  a 
corporal,  and  behind  these  again,  came  eight  men  of  the  same  company ;  four 
of  whom  boiv,  on  their  shoulders  a  coffin,  covered  with  a  coarse  black  pall 
that  hid  perhaps  already  assisted  at  fifty  interments ;  while  the  other  four 
carried,  in  addition  to  their  own,  the  muskets  of  their  burdened  comrades. 
After  these,  marched  a  solitary  drummer-boy ;  whose  tall  bear-skin  cap  at- 
tested him  to  be  of  the  grenadiers  also,  while  the  muffled  instrument  marked 
the  duty  for  which  he  had  been  selected.  Like  his  comrades,  none  of  whom 
exhibited  their  scarlet  uniforms,  he  wore  the  collar  of  his  great  coat  closely 
buttoned  beneath  his  chin,  which  was  only  partially  visible  above  the  still" 
leathern  stock  that  encircled  his  neck.  Although  his  features  were  Italf  bu- 
ried in  his  huge  cap  and  the  high  collar  of  his  coat,  there  was  an  air  of  deli- 
cacy about  his  person  that  seemed  to  render  him  unsuited  to  such  an  office  ; 
and  more  than  on';e  was  Captain  Erskine,  who  followed  immediately  behind 
him  at  the  head  of  his  compau}',  compclletl  to  call  sharply  to  the  urchin, 
threatening  him  with  a  week's  drill  imless  he  mended  his  feeble  and  unequal 
pace,  and  kept  from  under  the  feet  of  his  men.  The  remaining  gun  brought 
up  the  rear  of  the  detachment,  who  marched  with  fixed  bayonets  and  two 
balls  in  each  nmsket ;  the  whole  presenting  a  front  of  sections,  that  completely 
filled  up  the  road  along  which  they  passed.  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  Captain 
Wentworth,  and  the  Adjutant  Lawson  folic  wetl  in  the  extreme  rear. 


56 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophkcy 


An  evoTit  so  singular  iis  that  of  the  appearance  of  the  English  without  their 
fort,  beset  as  they  were  by  a  host  of  fierce  and  dangerous  enemies,  was  not 
likely  to  pass  unnoticed  by  a  single  individual  in  the  little  village  of  Detroit 
Wc  have  already  observed,  that  most  of  the  colonist  settlers  had  been  cruelly 
massacred  at  the  very  onset  of  hostilities.  Not  so,  however,  with  the  Cana- 
dians, who,  from  their  anterior  relations  with  the  natives,  and  the  mutual  and 
tacit  good  understanding  that  subsisted  between  both  parties,  weit;  suffered 
to  continue  in  quii't  and  unmolested  possession  of  their  homes,  where  they  pre- 
served an  avowed  neutnility,  never  otherwise  infringed  than  by  the  assistance 
secretly  and  occisionally  rendered  to  the  English  troops,  whose  gold  they 
were  glad  to  rewive  in  exchange  for  the  necessaries  of  life. 

Every  dwelling  of  (.lie  infant  town  had  coniTucnced  giving  up  its  tenants, 
from  the  moment  when  (he  head  of  the  detachment  was  seen  traversing  tho 
drawbridge  ;  so  tluit,  by  the  time  it  reached  the  highway,  and  took  its  direc- 
tion to  the  left,  the  whole  population  of  Detroit  were  aheady  assembled  in 
groups,  and  giving  cxjjression  to  the  their  sevcial  conjectures,  with  a  vivacity 
of  language  and  energy  of  gesticulation  that  would  lut  have  tlisgraced  the 
parent  land  itself.  As  the  troops  drew  nearer,  howe\er,  they  all  sank  at  once 
into  a  silence,  as  mw-h  the  result  of  certain  uuackno\\  ledged  and  undeGned 
fears,  as  of  the  respect  tlie  English  had  ever  been  accustomed  to  exact. 

At  the  further  extremity  of  the  town,  and  at  a  bend  in  the  road,  which 
branched  oil'  more  immediately  towards  the  river,  stood  a  publi(;  house,  whose 
creaking  sign  bore  three  ill  executed  lieur-de-lis,  apologetic  emblems  of  the 
arms  of  France.  Tho  building  itself  was  little  more  tlian  a  rude  log  hut, 
along  the  front  of  which  ran  a  plank,  supported  by  two  stumps  of  trees,  and 
serving  as  a  temporary  accommodation  both  for  the  traveller  and  the  inmate. 
On  this  bench  three  persons,  apparently  attracted  by  the  beauty  of  the  day 
and  the  mikhiess  of  tlie  autunmal  sun,  were  now  seated,  two  of  whom  were 
leisurely  pufring  their  pipes,  while  the  third,  a  female,  was  employed  in  card- 
ing wool,  a  quantity  of  which  lay  in  a  basket  at  her  feet,  while  she  warbled, 
in  a  low  tone,  one  of  the  simple  airs  of  her  native  land.  The  elder  of  the  two 
men,  whose  age  might  be  about  fifty,  oiiered  nothing  remarkable  in  his  ap- 
pearance ;  he  was  dressed  in  a  coat  made  of  the  common  white  blanket,  while 
his  hair,  cut  square  upon  the  forehead,  and  tied  into  a  club  of  nearly  a  foot 
long,  fell  into  tho  cape  or  hood  attached  to  it. 

Ills  companion  was  habited  in  still  a  more  extraordinary  manner.  His  lower 
limbs  were  cased,  up  to  the  mid-thigh,  in  leathern  leggings,  the  seam  of  which 
w^as  on  the  outside,  leaving  a  margin,  or  border,  of  about  an  inch  wide,  which 
had  been  slit  into  innumerable  small  fringes,  giving  them  an  air  of  elegance 
and  lightness  :  a  garter  of  leather,  curiously  wrought,  with  the  stained  quills 
of  the  porcupine,  encircled  each  leg,  immediately  under  the  knee,  where  it 
was  tied  in  a  bow,  and  then  suffered  to  hang  pendant  half  way  down  the 
limb ;  to  the  fringes  of  the  leggings,  moreover,  were  attached  numerou.sly 
dark-colored  horny  substances,  emitting,  as  they  rattled  against  each  other,  at 
the  slightest  movemeut  of  the  wearer,  a  tinkling  sound,  resembling  that  pro- 
duced by  a  number  of  small  thin  delicate  brass  bells ;  these  were  the  tender 
hoofs  of  the  wild  deer,  dried,  scraped,  and  otherwise  prepared  for  this  orna- 
mentKl  piu-pose. 

The  form  and  face  of  this  individual  were  in  perfect  keeping  with  the  stylo 
of  his  costume,  and  the  character  of  his  equipment.  His  stature  was  beyond 
that  of  the  ordinary  race  of  men,  and  his  athletic  and  muscular  limbs  united 
the  extremes  of  strength  and  activity.  His  features,  marked  and  prominent, 
wore  a  cast  of  habitual  thought,  strangely  tinctured  with  ferocity ;  and  the 
expression  of  his  otherwise  not  unhandsome  countenance  was  repellant  and 
disdainful.  At  the  first  glance  he  might  have  been  taken  for  one  of  the  swar- 
thy natives  of  the  soil ;  Ijut  though  time  and  constant  exposure  to  scorching 
suns  had  given  to  his  complexion  a  dusky  hue,  still  there  was  wanting  the 
quick,  black,  penetrating  eye ;  the  high  cheek  bone ;  the  straight,  coarse, 


wacovsta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


67 


shining  black  hair ;  the  small  bony  hand  and  foot;  and  tho  placidly  proud 
and  serious  air,  by  which  the  former  is  distinguished.  His  pwn  eye  was  of  a 
deep  bluish  grey ;  his  hair  short,  dark  and  wavy ;  his  hands  largo  and  muscu- 
lar ;  and  so  far  from  exhibiting  any  of  the  self-command  of  the  Indian,  tho 
constant  play  of  his  features  betrayed  each  passing  thought  with  the  same 
rapidity  with  which  it  was  conceived.  But  if  any  doubt  could  have  existed 
in  the  mind  of  him  who  beheld  this  strangely  accoutred  figure,  it  would  have 
been  instantly  dispelled  by  a  glance  at  his  limbs.  From  his  leggings  to  tho 
hip,  that  portion  of  the  lower  limb  was  completely  bare,  and  disclosed,  at 
each  movement  of  the  garment  that  was  sufi'ercd  to  fall  loosely  over  it,  not 
the  swarthy  and  copper-colored  flesh  of  the  Indian,  but  the  pale  though  sun- 
burnt skin  of  one  of  a  more  temperate  clime.  His  age  might  be  about  forty- 
five. 

At  the  moment  when  the  English  detachment  approached  the  bend  in  the 
road,  these  two  individuals  were  conversing  earnestly  together,  pausing  only 
to  puff  at  intervals  thick  and  wreathing  volumes  of  smoke  from  their  pipes, 
which  were  filled  with  a  mixture  of  tobacco  and  odoriferous  herbs.  Pres- 
ently, howe'  r,  sounds  that  appeared  familiar  to  his  ear  arrested  the  attention 
of  the  wildly  accoutred  being  we  have  last  described.  It  was  the  heavy  roll 
of  the  artillery  carriages  already  advancing  along  the  road,  and  somewhat  in 
the  rear  of  the  hut.  To  dash  his  pipe  to  the  ground,  seize  and  cock  and  raise 
his  rifle  to  his  shoulder,  was  but  the  work  of  a  moment.  Startled  by  the 
suddenness  of  the  action,  his  male  companion  moved  a  few  paces  also  from 
his  seat  to  discover  tho  cause  of  this  singular  movement.  The  female,  on  the 
contrary,  stirred  not,  but  ceasing  for  a  moment  the  occupation  in  which  she 
had  been  engaged,  lixcd  her  dark  and  brilliant  eyes  upon  the  tall  form  of  the 
rifleman,  whose  athletic  limbs,  thrown  into  powerful  relief  by  the  distention 
of  each  nerve  and  muscle,  appeared  to  engross  her  whole  admiration  and  in- 
terest, without  any  reference  to  the  cause  that  h.id  produced  this  abrupt  and 
hostile  change  in  his  movements.  It  was  evident  that,  unlike  the  other  in- 
habitants of  tho  town,  this  group  had  been  taken  by  surprise,  and  were 
utterly  unprepared  to  expect  anything  in  the  shape  of  interruption. 

For  upwards  of  a  minute,  during  which  the  march  of  the  men  became  au- 
dible even  to  the  ears  of  the  female,  the  formidable  warrior,  for  such  his  garb 
denoted  him  to  be,  continued  motionless  in  the  attitude  he  had  at  first  assum- 
ed. No  sooner,  however,  had  the  head  of  the  advancing  column  come  within 
sight,  than  the  aim  was  taken,  the  tri^er  pulled,  and  the  small  and  ragged 
bullet  sped  hissing  from  the  grooved  and  delicate  barrel.  A  triumphant  cry 
was  next  pealed  from  the  lips  of  the  warrior, — a  cry  produced  by  the  quickly 
repeated  application  and  removal  of  one  hand  to  and  from  the  mouth,  while 
the  other  suffered  the  butt-end  of  the  now  harmless  weapon  to  fall  loosely 
upon  the  earth.  He  then  slowly  and  dehberately  withdrew  within  the  cover 
of  the  hut. 

This  daring  action,  which  had  been  viewed  by  the  leading  troops  with  as- 
tonishment not  unmingled  with  alarm,  occasioned  a  temporary  confusion  in 
the  ranks,  for  all  believed  they  had  fallen  into  an  ambuscade  of  the  Indians. 
A  halt  was  instantly  commanded  by  Captain  Blessington,  in  order  to  give 
time  to  the  governor  to  come  up  from  the  rear,  while  he  proceeded  with  one 
of  the  leading  sections  to  reconnoitre  the  front  of  the  hut.  To  his  surprise, 
however,  he  found  neither  enemy,  nor  evidence  that  an  enemy  had  been  there. 
The  only  individuals  visible  were  the  Canadian,  and  the  dark-eyed  female. 
Both  were  seated  on  the  bench ; — the  one  smoking  his  pipe  with  a  well  assum- 
ed appearance  of  unconcern — the  other  carding  her  wool,  but  with  a  hand 
that  by  a  close  observer  might  be  seen  to  tremble  in  its  office,  and  a  cheek 
that  was  paler  than  at  the  moment  when  we  first  placed  her  before  the  imag- 
ination of  the  reader.  Both,  however,  started  with  unaffected  surprise  on 
seeing  Captain  Blessington  and  his  little  force  turn  the  corner  of  the  hous9 


&s 


WACOUSTA 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY 


from  the  main  road ;  and  cerbvin  looks  of  recognition  passed  between  all  par- 
ties, that  proved  thorn  to  bo  no  Htrangers  to  each  other. 

"  Ah,  monsieur,"  said  the  Canadian,  in  a  mingled  dialect,  neither  French 

nor  English,  while  ho  attempted  an  ease  and  freedom  of  manner  that  was  too 

miserably  affected  to  pass  current  with  the  mild  but  observant  officer  whom 

e  addressed,  "how  much  surprise  I  am,  and  glad  to  see  you.    It  is  a  long 

es  since  you  came  out  of  de  fort.  I  hope  de  govemeur  and  de  officer  be 
ery  well.  I  was  tinking  to  go  to-day  to  see  if  you  want  any  ting.  I 
got  some  nice  rum  of  the  Jamaique  for  Oapitaine  Erskine.  Will  you 
se  to  try  some  ?"  While  speaking,  the  voluble  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis 
risen  from  his  seat,  laid  aside  his  pipe,  and  now  stood  with  his  hands 
8t  into  the  pockets  of  his  blanket  coat. 

It  is  indeed  a  long  time  since  we  have  been  here.  Master  Francois,"  some- 
t  sarcastically  and  drily  replied  Captain  Blessington  ;  "  and  you  have  not 

ted  us  quite  so  often  latterly  yourself,  though  well  aware  wo  were  in  want 

ftesh  provisions.     I  give  you  all  due  credit,  however,  for  your  intention  of 

ming  to-day,  but  you  see  we  have  anticipated  you.  Still  this  is  not  the 
point.  Where  is  the  Indian  who  fired  at  us  just  now  ?  and  how  is  it  we  find 
you  leagued  with  our  enemies  ?" 

"  What,  sir,  is  it  you  say  ?"  asked  the  Canadian,  holding  up  his  hands  with 
feigned  astonishment.  "  Me  league  myself  w'*h  the  savage.  Upon  my  honor 
I  did  not  see  nobody  fire,  or  I  should  tell  you.  I  love  the  English  too  well 
to  do  dem  harms." 

"  Come,  come,  Fran9ois,  no  nonsense.  If  I  cannot  make  you  confess,  there 
is  one  not  far  from  me  who  will.  You  know  Colonel  de  Haldimar  too  well 
to  imagine  he  will  be  trifled  with  in  this  manner :  if  he  detects  you  in  a  false- 
hood, he  will  certainly  cause  you  I  >  be  hanged  up  at  the  first  tree.  Take  my 
advice,  therefore,  and  say  where  yovi  have  secreted  this  Indian  ;  and  recollect, 
if  we  fall  into  an  ambuscade,  your  life  will  be  forfeited  at  the  first  shot  we 
hear  fired." 

At  this  moment  the  governor,  followed  by  liis  adjutant,  came  rapidly  up  to 
the  spot.  Captain  Blessington  communicated  the  ill  success  of  his  queries, 
when  the  former  cast  on  the  terrified  Canadian  one  of  those  severe  and  search- 
ing looks  which  he  so  well  knew  how  to  assume. 

"  Where  is  the  rascal  who  fired  at  us,  sin  ah  ?  tell  me  instantly,  or  you 
have  not  fi^e  minutes  to  live." 

The  heart  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis  quailed  within  him  at  this  for- 
midable threat ;  and  the  usually  ruddy  hue  of  his  countenance  had  now  given 
place  to  an  ashy  paleness.  Still  as  he  positively  denied  all  knowledge  of  the 
matter  on  which  ne  was  questioned,  he  appeared  to  feel  his  safety  lay  in  ad- 
hering to  his  original  statement.  Again,  therefore,  he  assured  the  governor, 
on  his  honor  (laying  his  hand  upon  his  heart  as  he  spoke.)  that  what  he  had 
already  stated  was  the  fact. 

"  Your  honor — you  pitiful  trading  scoundrel — how  dare  you  talk  to  me  of 
your  honor  ?  Come,  sir,  confess  at  once  where  you  have  secreted  this  fellow, 
or  prepare  to  die." 

"  If  I  luav  be  so  bold,  your  honor,"  said  one  of  Captain  Blessington's  men, 
"  the  Frenc^iman  lies.  When  the  Ingian  fired  among  us,  this  fellow  was 
peepinj;'  under  his  shoulrlor  and  watching  us  also.  If  I  had  not  seen  him  too 
often  at  the  fort  to  be  mistaken  in  his  person,  I  should  have  known  him,  iit 
all  events,  by  his  bliiiiket  coat  and  red  handkerchief." 

This  blimt  statement  of  the  soldier,  confirmed  as  it  was  the  instant  after- 

ards  by  one  of  his  comrades,  was  damning  proof  against  the  Canadian, 
even  if  the  fact  of  the  rifie  being  discharged  from  the  fi-ont  of  the  hut  had 
not  already  satisfied  all  parties  of  the  fidsehood  of  his  assertion. 

"  Come  forward,  a  couple  of  files,  and  seize  this  villain,"  resumed  the  gov- 
ernor with  his  wonted  sternness  of  manner.    "  Mr.  Lawson,  see  if  his  hut 


wacousta;  or,  thb  propkect. 


50 


does  not  afford  a  ropo  strong  enough  to  hang  the  traitor  to  one  of  hia  own 
apple  trees." 

Both  parties  proceeded  at  the  same  moment  to  execntie  the  two  distinct  or- 
ders of  thoir  chief.  The  Canadian  was  now  lirmly  secured  in  the  grasp  of 
the  two  men  who  had  given  evidence  against  him,  when,  seeing  all  the  horror 
of  the  dreadful  fate  that  awaited  him,  he  confessed  the  individual  who  had 
fired  had  been  sitting  with  him  the  instant  previously,  but  that  he  know  no 
more  of  him  than  of  any  other  savage  occasionally  calling  at  the  Fleur  do  Lis. 
He  added,  that  on  discharging  the  ri^e  he  had  bounded  across  the  palings  of 
the  orchard,  and  fled  in  the  direction  of  the  forest.  He  denied  all  knowledge 
or  belief  of  an  enemy  waiting  in  ambush ;  stating,  moreover,  even  the  indi- 
vidual in  question  had  not  been  aware  of  the  sortie  of  the  detachment  until 
apprised  of  their  near  approach  by  the  heavy  sound  of  the  gun  carriages. 

"  Here  are  undeniable  proofs  of  the  man's  villany,  sir,"  said  the  adjutant, 
returning  from  the  hut  and  cxliibiting  objects  of  new  and  fearful  interest  to 
the  governor.  "  This  hat  and  rope  I  found  secreted  in  one  of  the  bed-rooms 
of  the  auberge.  The  first  is  evidently  Donellan's ;  and  from  the  hook  at- 
tached to  the  latter,  I  apprehend  it  to  be  the  same  stated  to  have  been  used 
by  Captain  de  Haldimar  in  crossing  the  ditch." 

The  governor  took  the  hat  and  rope  from  the  hands  of  his  subordinate,  ex- 
amined them  attentively,  and  after  a  few  moments  of  deep  musing,  during 
which  his  countenance  underwent  several  rapid  though  scarcely  perceptible 
changes,  turned-  suddenly  and  eagerly  to  the  soldier  who  had  first  convicted 
the  Canadian  in  his  falsehood,  and  demanded  if  he  had  seen  enough  of  the 
man  who  had  fired  to  be  able  so  give  even  a  general  description  of  his  peraon. 

"  Why  yes,  your  honor,  I  think  I  can  ;  for  the  fellow  stood  long  enough 
after  firmg  his  piece,  for  a  painter  to  have  taken  him  off  from  head  to  foot. 
He  was  a  taller  and  larger  man  by  far  than  our  biggest  grenadier,  and  that  is 
poor  Harry  Donellan,  as  your  honor  knows.  But  as  for  his  dress,  though  I 
could  see  it  all,  I  scarcely  can  tell  how  to  describe  it.  All  I  know  is,  he  was 
covered  with  smoked  deer  skin,  in  some  such  fashion  as  the  great  chief  Pon- 
teac,  only,  instead  of  having  his  head  bare  and  shaved,  he  wore  a  strange  out- 
landish sort  of  a  hat,  covered  over  with  wild  birds'  feathers  in  front." 

"  Enough,"  interrupted  the  governor,  motioning  the  man  to  silence ;  then, 
in  an  under  tone  to  himself, — "  by  heaven,  the  very  safie."  A  shade  of  dis- 
appointment and  suppressed  alarm  passed  rapidly  across  his  brow ;  it  was 
but  momentary.  "  Captain  Blessington,"  he  ordered  quickly  and  impatiently, 
"  search  the  hut  and  grounds  for  this  lurking  Indian,  who  is,  no  doubt,  se- 
creted in  the  neighborhood.  Quick,  quick,  sir ;  there  is  no  tiino  to  be  lost." 
Then  in  an  intimidating  tone  to  the  Canadian,  who  had  already  dropped  on 
his  knees,  supplicating  mercy,  and  vociferating  his  innocence  in  the  same 
breath, — "  So,  you  infernal  scoundrel,  this  is  the  manner  in  which  you  have 
repaid  our  confidence.  Where  is  my  son,  sir  ?  Or  have  you  already  mur- 
dered him,  as  you  did  his  servant  ?  Tell  me,  you  villain,  what  have  you  to 
say  to  these  proofs  of  your  treachery  ?  But  stay,  I  shall  take  another  and 
fitter  opportunity  to  question  you.  Mr.  Lawson,  secure  this  traitor  properly, 
and  let  him  be  conveyed  to  the  centre  of  the  detachment." 

This  mandate  was  promptly  obeyed ;  and  in  despite  of  his  own  unceasing 

Sraycrs  and  protestations  of  innocence,  and  the  tears  and  entreaties  of  his 
ark-  eyed  daughter  Babetie,  who  had  thrown  herself  on  her  knees  at,  his 
side,  the  s'out  arms  of  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis  were  soon  firmly  se- 
cured behind  his  back  with  the  strong  jope  that  had  been  found  under  such 
suspicious  circumstances  in  his  possession.  Before  he  was  marched  otf,  how- 
ever, two  of  the  men  who  had  been  sent  in  pursuit,  returned  from  the  orchard, 
stating  thiit  further  search  was  now  fruitless.  They  had  penetrated  through 
a  small  thicket  ut  tlie  extremity  of  the  grounds,  and  had  distinctly  seen  a  man 
answering  the  description  given  by  their  comrades,  in  full  flight  towards  the 
forest  skirtin"'  tiie  heights  in  front. 


60 


wacoVsta;    or,   the    prophecy, 


The  governor  was  evidently  far  from  being  satisfied  with  the  result  of  » 
search  too  late  instituted  to  leave  even  a  prospect  of  success.  "  Where  are 
the  Indians  principally  encamped,  sirrah  '?"  he  sternly  demanded  of  his  cap- 
tive ;  "answer  me  truly,  or  I  will  carry  off  this  wench  as  well,  and  if  a  singlt 
hair  of  a  man  of  mine  be  even  singed  by  a  shot  from  a  skulking  enemy,  yoii 
may  expect  to  see  her  bayoneted  before  your  eyes." 

"  Ah^  my  God  !  Monsieur  le  Gonverneur,"  exclaimed  the  aflnghted  auber- 
giste,  "  as  I  am  an  honest  man,  I  shall  tell  do  truth,  but  spare  my  child. 
They  are  all  in  de  forest,  and  half  a  mile  from  de  little  river  dat  nms  between 
dis  and  the  Pork  Island." 

"  Hog  Island,  I  suppose  you  mean." 

"  Yes  sir,  de  Hog  Island  is  de  one  I  means." 

"  Conduct  him  to  the  centre,  and  let  him  be  confronted  with  the  prisoner," 
directed  the  govenor,  addressing  his  adjutant ;  "  Captain  Blessington,  your 
men  may  resume  their  stations  in  the  ranks.  The  order  was  obeyed ;  and 
notwithstanding  the  tears  and  supplications  of  the  now  highly  excited  Babctte, 
who  flung  herself  upon  his  neck,  and  was  only  removed  by  force,  the  terrified 
Canadian  was  borne  oif  from  his  premises  by  the  troops. 


CHAPTER  IX. 


While  this  scene  was  enacting  in  front  of  tiie  Fleur  de  Lis,  one  of  a  far 
more  touching  and  painftil  nature  was  passing  in  the  very  heart  of  the  detach- 
ment itself.  At  the  moment  when  the  halt  was  ordered  by  Captain  Blessing- 
ton,  a  rumor  ran  through  the  ranks  that  they  had  readied  the  spot  destined 
for  the  execution  of  their  ill-fated  comrade.  Those  only  in  the  immediate 
front  were  aware  of  the  true  cause ;  but  although  the  report  of  the  rifle  had 
been  distinctly  heard  by  all,  it  had  been  attributed  by  those  in  the  rear  to  the 
accidental  discharge  of  one  of  their  own  muskets.  A  low  murmur,  e.vpressive 
of  the  opinion  generally  entertained,  passed  gradually  from  rear  to  front,  until 
it  at  length  reached  the  ears  of  the  delicate  drummer  boy  who  marched  be- 
hind the  coffin.  His  face  was  still  bimed  in  the  collar  of  his  coat ;  and  what 
was  left  uncovered  of  his  features  by  the  cap,  was  in  some  degi'ee  hidden  by 
the  forward  drooping  of  his  head  upon  his  chest.  Hitherto  he  had  moved  al- 
most mechanically  along,  tottering  and  embarrassing  himself  at  every  step 
under  the  cumbrous  drum  that  was  suspended  from  a  belt  around  his  neck 
over  the  left  thigh ;  but  now  there  was  a  certain  indescribable  drawing  up  of 
the  frame,  and  tension  of  the  whole  person,  denoting  a  concentration  of  all  the 
moral  and  physical  energies  — a  sudden  working  up,  as  it  were,  of  the  intel- 
lectual and  corporeal  being  to  some  determined  and  momentous  purpose. 

At  the  first  halt  of  the  detachment,  the  weary  supporters  of  the  coflin  had 
deposited  their  rude  and  sombre  burden  upon  the  earth,  preparatory  to  its 
being  resumed  by  those  appointed  to  relieve  them.  The  dull  sound  emitted 
by  the  hollow  fabric,  as  it  touched  the  grouad,  caught  the  ear  of  him  for  whom 
it  was  destined,  and  he  turned  to  gaze  upon  the  sad  and  lonely  tenement  so 
shortly  to  become  his  final  resting  place.  There  was  an  air  of  calm  composure 
and  dignified  sorrow  upon  his  brow,  that  infused  respect  into  the  hearts  of  all 
who  beheld  him ;  and  even  the  men  selected  to  do  the  duty  of  executioners 
sought  to  evade  his  glance,  as  his  steady  ej-e  wandered  from  right  to  left  of 
the  fatal  rank.  His  attention,  however,  was  principally  directed  towards  the 
coffin,  which  l^y  before  him ;  on  this  he  gazed  fixedly  for  upwards  of  a  minute. 
He  then  turned  his  eyes  in  the  direction  of  the  fort,  shuddered,  heaved  a  pro- 
found sigh,  and  lookmg  up  to  heaven,  with  the  apparent  fervor  that  became 
his  situation,  seemed  to  pray  for  a  moment  or  two  inwardly  and  devoutly. 
The  thick  and  almost  suflbcating  breathing  of  one  immediately  beyond  the 


wacovsta;  ok,  the  prophecy. 


61 


oofBu,  was  now  distinctly  heard  bj  all.  Halloway  started  from  his  attitude 
of  devotion,  gazed  earnestly  on  the  form  whence  it  proceeded,  and  then  wildly 
extending  hi»  arms,  suHurcd  a  smile  of  satisfaction  to  illumine  his  pale  features. 
All  eyes  were  now  turned  upon  the  drummer  boy,  who,  evidently  laboring 
Tinder  convulsive  excitement  of  feeling,  suddenly  dashed  his  cap  and  instrument 
to  the  earth,  and  flew  as  fast  as  his  tottering  and  uncertain  stops  would  admit 
across  the  codin,  and  into  the  arms  extended  to  receive  him. 

"  My  Ellen !  oh,  my  own  devoted,  but  too  unhappy  Ellen !"  passionately 
exclaimed  the  soldier,  as  he  clasped  the  slight  and  agitated  form  of  his  dis- 

fuiscd  wife  to  his  throbbing  heart.  "  This,  this,  iadccd,  is  joy  even  in  death, 
thouglit  I  could  have  died  more  happily  without  you,  but  nature  tugs  power- 
fully at  my  heart ;  and  to  sec  you  once  more,  to  feel  you  onco  more  here,''^ 
(and  he  pressed  her  wildly  to  his  chest,)  "  is  indeed  a  bliss  that  robs  my  ap- 
proaching fate  of  half  its  terror." 

"Oh  Reginald!  my  dearly  beloved  Reginald!  my  murdered  husband!" 
shrieked  the  unhappy  woman ;  "your  Ellen  will  not  survive  you.  Her  heart 
is  already  broken,  though  she  cannot  weep ;  but  the  same  grave  shall  contain 
lis  both.  Reginald,  do  you  believe  mo  ?  I  swear  it ;  the  same  grave  shall  con- 
tain us  both." 

Exhausted  with  the  fatigue  and  excitement  she  had  undergon",  the  faithful 
and  aiFectionate  creature  now  lay,  without  sense  or  motion,  in  the  arms  of  her 
wretched  husband.  Ilalloway  bore  her,  unopposed,  a  pace  or  two  in  advance, 
and  deposited  her  unconscious  form  on  the  fatal  coffin. 

No  language  of  ours  can  render  justice  to  the  trying  character  of  the  scene. 
All  who  witnessed  it  were  piunfully  affcted,  and  over  the  bronzed  cheek  of 
many  a  veteran  coursed  a  tcor,  M'hich,  like  that  of  Sterne's  recording  angel, 
might  have  blotted  out  a  cataioaao  of  sins.  Although  each  was  prepared  to 
expect  a  reprimand  from  tlic  governor,  for  suffering  the  prisoner  to  quit  his 
station  in  the  ranks,  humanity  and  nature  pleaded  too  powerfully  in  his  be- 
half, and  neither  olricer  nor  man  attempted  to  interfere,  unless  with  a  view  to 
render  assistance.  Captain  Erskine,  in  particular,  was  deeply  pained,  and 
would  have  given  anything  to  recal  the  harsh  language  he  had  used  towards 
the  supposed  idle  and  inattentive  drummer  boy.  Taking  from  a  pocket  in  his 
uniform  a  small  flask  of  brandy,  which  he  had  provided  against  casualties,  the 
compassionating  officer  slightly  raised  the  head  of  the  pale  and  unconscious 
woman  with  one  hand,  while  with  the  other  he  introduced  a  few  drops  between 
her  parted  lips.  Ilalloway  knelt  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  coffin ;  one  hand 
searching,  but  in  vain,  the  suspended  pulse  of  his  inanimate  wife ;  the  other, 
unbuttoning  the  breast  of  the  drum-boy's  jacket,  which,  with  every  other  part 
of  the  equipment,  she  wore  beneath  the  loose  great  coat  so  eflFect.ually  accom- 
plishing her  disguise. 

Such  was  the  position  of  the  chief  actors  in  this  truly  distressing  drama, 
at  the  moment  when  Colonel  de  Haldimar  came  up  with  his  new  prisoner,  to 
mark  what  effect  would  be  produced  on  Hallo  way  by  his  unexpected  appear- 
snce.  His  own  surprise  and  disappointment  may  be  easily  conceived,  when, 
in  the  form  of  the  recumbent  being  who  seemed  to  engross  universal  atten- 
tion, he  recognised,  by  tiie  fair  and  streaming  hair,  and  half  exposed  bosom, 
the  unfortunate  being  whom,  only  two  hours  previously,  he  had  spurned  from 
his  feet  in  the  costume  of  her  own  sex,  and  reduced,  by  the  violence  of  her 
grief,  to  almost  infantine  debility.  Question  succeeded  question  to  those 
around,  but  without  eliciting  any  clue  to  the  mer.as  by  which  this  mysterious 
disguise  had  been  elTecteil.  No  one  had  been  aware,  until  the  truth  was  so 
singularly  and  suddenl_v  revealed,  the  supposed  drummer  was  any  other  than 
one  of  the  lads  attached  to  the  grenadiers ;  and  as  for  the  other  facts,  they 
spoke  too  plainly  to  the  compnlieusion t)f  the  governor  to  need  explanation. 
Once  more,  however,  the  delaoliinent  was  called  to  order.  Halloway  struck 
his  hand  violently'  upon  his  brow,  kissed  the  wan  lips  of  his  still  unconscious 
wife.  bro;i thing,  as  hr>  did  so,  a  half  nmrmured  hope  .she  might  indeed  be  the 


ffii 


waoousta;    or,   the    prophecy, 


I 


corpse  Hho  appeared.  Ho  then  nkiftcd  himself  fVom  the  earth  witii  a  light  and 
elastic  yet  Hrra  movement,  and  roHunied  the  place  ho  had  prcviounly  occupied, 
where,  to  his  surprise,  ho  beheld  a  second  victirti  boimd,  and,  apparently,  de- 
voted to  the  same  death.  When  the  eyes  of  the  two  unhappy  men  mot,  the 
governor  closely  watched  the  expression  of  the  countenance  of  each ;  but 
although  the  Canadian  started  on  beholding  the  soldier,  it  might  he  merely 
because  ho  saw  the  latter  arraye<l  in  the  garb  of  death,  and  followed  by  the 
most  unequivocal  demonstrations  of  a  doom  to  which  he  himself  was,  m  all 
probability,  devoted.  As  for  Halloway,  his  look  betrayed  neither  conscious- 
ness nor  recognition ;  and  though  too  i)roud  to  express  complaint  or  to  give 
vent  to  the  feelings  of  his  heart,  his  wliolo  .soul  seemed  to  be  absorbed  in  the 
unhappy  partner  of  his  luckless  destiny.  Presently  ho  saw  her  borne,  and 
in  the  taxma  state  of  insensibility,  in  the  arms  of  Captain  Erskino  and  Lieu- 
tenant l/.'.slie,  towards  the  hut  of  his  fellow  prisoner,  and  he  heard  tlje  former 
officer  enjoin  the  weeping  girl,  Babette,  to  whose  chiirge  they  deliv>>red  her 
over,  to  pay  every  attention  to  her  her  situation  might  require.  The  detach- 
ment then  proceeded. 

The  narrow  but  deep  and  rapid  river  alluded  to  by  the  Canadian,  as  run- 
ning midway  between  the  town  and  Hog  Island,  derived  its  source  far  within 
the  forest,  and  formed  the  bed  of  one  of  those  wild,  dark,  and  thickly  wooded 
ravines  so  cotninon  in  Anurica.  As  it  nearcd  the  Detroit,  however,  the  ab- 
ruptness of  its  blinks  was  so  considerably  lessened,  as  to  render  the  approach 
to  it  on  the  town  side  over  ai.  ahnost  an  imperceptible  slope.  Within  a  few 
yards  of  its  mouth,  as  we  have  already'  observed,  a  rude  but  strong  wooden 
bridge,  over  whicili  lay  th(j  high  road,  had  been  constructed  by  the  French ; 
and  from  the  centre  of  this,  all  the  ('ircuit  of  intermediate  clearing,  even  to 
the  very  skirt  of  the  foicst,  was  distinctly  commanded  by  the  naked  eye. 
To  the  I'iglit,  on  approacihing  it  from  the  town,  lay  the  adjacent  shores  of 
Canada,  washed  by  the  broad  wat<^rs  of  the  Detroit,  on  which  it  was  thrown 
into  strong  relief  and  which,  at  the  distance  of  about  a  mile  in  front,  was 
seen  to  diverge  into  two  distinct  cliannels,  pursuing  each  a  separate  course, 
until  they  again  met  at  the  western  extremity  of  Ilog  Island.  On  the  left, 
and  in  the  front,  rose  a  succession  of  slightly  undulating  hills,  which,  at  a 
distance  of  little  more  than  half  a  mile,  terminated  in  an  elevation  considera- 
bly above  the  immediate  level  of  the  Detroit  side  of  the  ravine.  That,  again, 
was  crowned  \vith  thick  and  overhanging  forest,  taking  its  circular  sweep 
around  the  fort.  The  intcnnediate  ground  was  studded  over  with  rude  stumps 
of  trees,  and  bore  in  various  directions,  distinct  proofs  of  the  spoliation 
wrought  among  the  infant  possessions  of  the  murdered  English  settlers.  The 
view  to  the  rear  was  less  open  ;  the  town  being  partially  liidden  by  the  fruit- 
laden  orchards  that  lined  the  intervening  high  road,  and  hung  principally  on 
its  left.  This  was  not  the  ca.se  with  the  fort.  Between  these  orchards  and 
the  distant  forest  lay  a  line  of  open  coimtry,  fully  commanded  by  its  cannon, 
even  to  the  ravine  we  have  described,  and  in  a  sweep  that  embraced  every 
thing  from  the  bridge  itself  to  the  forest,  in  which  all  trace  of  its  soui-ce  was 
lost. 

When  the  detachment  had  arrived  within  twenty  yards  of  the  bridge,  they 
were  made  to  file  off  to  the  left,  until  the  last  gun  had  come  up.  They  were 
then  fronted  ;  the  rear  section  of  Captain  Erskine's  company  resting  on  the 
road,  and  the  left  flank,  covered  by  the  two  first  guns  pointed"  obliquely, '  ,.h 
in  front  and  rear,  to  guard  against  surprise,  in  the  event  of  any  of  the  Indians 
stealing  round  to  the  cover  of  the  orchards.  The  route  by  which  they  had 
approached  this  spot  was  upwards  of  two  miles  in  extent ;  but,  as  they  now 
filed  off  into  the  open  ground,  the  leading  sections  observed,  in  a  direct  lino 
over  the  cleared  country,  and  at  the*distancc  of  little  more  than  three  quar- 
ters of  a  mile,  the  dark  ramparts  of  the  fortress  that  contained  their  comrades, 
and  could  even  distinguish  the  uniforms  of  the  officers  and  men  drawn  up  in 


wacousta;  or,  the  phophkoy. 


line  along  the  workH,  wheru  thoy  were  evidently  ttSMitnUt'd  to  witnosH  the 
execution  of  the  scnteiiou  on  Halloway. 

8uch  a  Might  as  that  of  the  EngliKli  so  far  from  tlieir  fort,  waa  not  likely  to 
eKcnpe  the  notice  of  the  Indians.  Their  cncHtnpinent,  as  tho  Canadian  had 
truly  stated  lay  within  the  forest,  and  beyond  the  elevated  giound  already 
alluded  to ;  and  to  have  crossed  the  ravine,  or  ventured  out  of  reach  of  the 
cannon  of  the  fort,  would  have  been  to  seal  the  dostruetiou  of  the  detach- 
ment. But  the  otficer  to  whom  their  security  was  entrusted,  although  he  had 
his  own  particidar  views  for  venturing  thus  far,  knew  also  at  what  point  to 
stop  J  and  such  was  the  confidence  of  his  men  in  his  skill  anil  prudence,  they 
would  have  fearlessly  followed  wherever  ho  might  have  chosen  to  lead.  Still, 
oven  amid  all  the  solemnity  of  preparation  attendant  on  the  duty  they  were 
out  to  i)erfbrm,  there  was  a  natural  and  secret  apprehenaivcneas  about  eac)), 
that  caused  him  to  coat  his  eyes  frequently  and  lixedly  on  that  part  of  the 
forest  which  was  known  to  afford  cover  to  their  merciless  foes.  At  times  they 
fancied  thoy  beheld  the  dark  and  Hitting  forms  of  men  gliding  from  tree  to 
tree  along  the  skirt  of  the  wood ;  but  when  they  gazed  again,  nothing  of  the 
kind  was  to  be  seen,  and  the  illusion  was  at  once  ascribed  to  the  heavy  state 
of  the  atmosphere,  and  the  action  of  their  own  precautionary  instincts. 

Meanwhile  the  solemn  tragedy  of  death  was  preparing  in  mournful  silence. 
On  the  centre  of  the  bridge,  and  visible  to  those  even  within  the  fort,  was 
placed  the  cotHn  of  Halloway,  and  at  twelve  paces  in  front  were  drawn  up 
the  six  rank  and  file  on  whom  had  devolved,  by  lot,  the  cruel  duty  of  the 
day.  With  calm  and  fearless  eye  the  piisoner  siu'veycd  the  pre])arations  for 
his  ap[)roaching  end;  and  whatever  might  be  the  inward  workings  of  his 
mind,  there  was  not  aJnong  the  assembled  soldiery  one  individual  whoso 
countenance  })etrayed  so  little  of  sorrow  and  emotion  as  his  own.  With  a 
firm  step,  when  siiuinioiied,  he  moved  towards  the  fatal  coffin,  dashing  his 
cap  10  the  earth  as  he  advanced,  and  baring  his  chest  with  the  characteristic 
contempt  of  death  of  the  soldier.  When  he  had  reachcfl  the  centre  of  tho 
bridge,  he  turned  facing  his  comrades,  and  knelt  upon  the  coffin.  Captain 
Blessington,  who,  ])ermitted  by  the  governor,  had  followed  him  with  a  sad 
heart  and  heavy  Ktop,  now  drew  a  prayer-book  from  his  pocket,  and  road 
from  it  in  a  low  voice.  He  then  closed  the  volume,  listened  to  something  the 
prisoner  earnestly  commimicated  to  him,  received  a  small  packet  which  h© 
drew  fVom  the  bosom  of  his  shirt,  shook  him  long  and  cordially  by  tho  hand, 
and  then  hastily  resumed  his  post  at  the  head  of  the  detachment. 

Tho  principal  inhabitants  of  the  village,  led  by  curiosity,  had  followed  at  a 
distance  to  witness  the  execution  of  the  condemned  soldier ;  and  above  the 
heads  of  the  line,  and  crowning  the  slope,  were  collected  groups  of  both  sexea 
and  of  all  ages,  that  gave  a  still  more  imposing  character  to  the  scene.  Every 
eye  was  now  turned  upon  the  firing  party,  who  only  awaited  the  signal  to  ex- 
ecute their  melancholy  office,  when  suddenly,  in  the  direction  of  the  forest, 
and  upon  the  extreme  height,  there  burst  the  tremendous  and  deafening 
yells  of  more  than  a  thousand  savages.  For  an  instant  Halloway  was  for- 
gotten in  the  instinctive  sense  of  individual  danger,  and  all  gazed  eagerly  to 
ascertain  the  movements  of  their  enemy.  Presently  a  man,  naked  to  the 
waist,  his  body  and  face  besmeared  with  streaks  of  black  and  red  paint,  and 
his  whole  attitude  expressing  despair  and  horror,  was  seen  flying  down  the 
height  with  a  rapidity  proportioned  to  the  extreme  peril  in  which  he  stooiu 
At  about  fifty  paces  in  his  rear  followed  a  dozen  bounding,  screaming  In- 
dians, armed  with  uplifted  tomahawks,  whose  anxiety  in  pursuit  lent  them  a 
speed  that  even  surpassed  the  eflTorts  of  flight  itself.  It  was  evident  the  ob- 
ject of  the  pursued  was  to  reach  the  detachment,  that  of  the  pursuers»to  pre- 
vent him.  Tho  struggle  was  maintained  for  a  ifew  moments  with  equality^ 
but  in  the  end  the  latter  were  triumphant,  and  at  each  step  the  distance  that 
separated  them  became  less.  At  the  first  alarm,  the  attachment,  with  tho 
exception  of  the  firing  party,  who  still  occupied  their  ground,  had  been  thrown 


64 


waooitsta;    or,   thb   propheot. 


U    I 


into  Hquaro,  and,  with  a  |g^n  planted  in  each  angle,  awaited  tho  attn(;k  mo- 
raontarily  expected,  lint  although  the  hoiRhts  wcro  now  alive  with  the  dusky 
forniH  of  naked  wnrriors,  who,  from  tho  skirt  of  the  forost,  watched  tho  ox- 
ertionfl  of  their  IbllowH,  tho  pursuit  of  tho  wretched  fuptive  was  confined  to 
those  alone.  Foremost  of  tho  latter,  and  distinK»iislied  by  his  violent  exer- 
tions and  flcndmh  cries,  was  the  tall  and  wihlly  attired  warrior  of  tho  Flenr 
de  Lis.  At  every  bound  ho  gainwl  upon  his  victim.  Alrcwiy  woro  Ihey  de- 
Bcondin;;  the  ne«rcpt  of  tho  undulatinjr  hills,  and  both  now  became  conspicu- 
ous to  all  around  ;  but  principally  tho  pursuer,  whoso  ginantic  frame  an<I  ox- 
traordiniiry  sinsod  riveted  every  eye,  even  while  tho  interest  of  all  was  ex- 
cited for  tho  wretched  fugitive  alone. 

At  that  moment  ilalloway,  who  had  been  pazing  on  the  scenic  with  an  as- 
tonishment little  inferior  to  that  of  his  comratlcs,  sprang  suddenly  to  his  feet 
upon  tho  colHn,  and  waving  his  hand  in  the  direction  of  the  pursuing  enemy, 
shouted  aloud  in  o  voice  of  mingled  joy  and  triumph, — 

"  Ha  !  Almighty  (iod,  1  thank  thee  !  Hero,  hero  comes  onn  who  alone  has 
tho  power  to  snatch  mo  from  my  impending  doom." 

"  Uy  Heaven,  the  traitor  confesses,  und  presumes  to  triumph  in  his  guilt," 
exclaimed  the  voice  of  one,  who.  while  closely  attending  to  every  movement  of 
tho  Indians,  was  also  vigilantly  watching  the  elVect  likely  to  be  produced  on 
the  prisoner  by  this  unexpected  interruption.     "  Corporal,  do  your  duty," 

"  Stay,  stay — one  moment  stay !"  implored  Halloway  with  uplifled  hands. 

"  Do  your  duty,  sir."  fiercely  repeated  the  governor. 

"  Oh  stop — for  CJod's  sake,  stop  1  Another  moment  and  ho  M-ill  be  here, 
and  I " 

He  said  no  more — a  dozen  bullets  penetrated  his  body — one  passed  directly 
through  his  heart.  Ho  leaped  several  feet  in  the  air,  and  then  fell  heavily,  a 
lifeless  bleeding  corpse,  across  the  coffin. 

Meanwhile  the  pursuit  of  the  fugitive  was  continued,  but  by  the  warrior  of 
the  Fleur  do  Lis  alone.  Aware  of  their  inefficiency  to  keep  pace  with  this  sin- 
gular being,  his  companions  had  relinquished  the  cha.se,  and  now  stood  resting 
on  the  brow  of  the  hill  where  the  wretched  Halloway  had  first  recognised 
his  supposed  deliverer,  watching  eagerly,  though  within  nmsket  shot  of  the 
detachment,  the  result  of  a  race  on  which  so  much  apparently  dei)ended. 
Neither  party,  however,  attempted  to  interfere  with  tho  other,  for  all  eyes 
were  now  turned  on  the  flying  man  and  his  pursuer  with  an  interest  that  de- 
noted the  extraordinary  efforts  of  the  one  to  evade  and  thi  ^ther  to  attain 
the  accomplishment  of  his  object.  The  immediate  course  i^Kcn  was  in  a 
direct  line  for  the  ravine,  which  it  evidently  was  the  object  of  the  fugitive  to 
clear  at  its  nearest  point.  Already  had  he  approached  within  a  few  paces  of 
its  brink,  and  every  eye  wivs  fastened  on  tho  point  where  it  was  expected  tho 
doubtful  leap  would  be  taken,  when  suddenly,  as  if  despairing  to  accomplish 
it  at  a  bound,  he  turned  to  the  left,  and  winding  along  its  bank,  renewed  his 
efforts  in  the  direction  of  the  bridge.  This  movement  occasioned  a  change  in 
the  position  of  the  parties,  which  was  favorable  to  the  pursued.  Hitherto 
they  had  been  so  immediatel}'-  on  a  line  with  each  other,  it  was  impossible  for 
tho  detachment  to  bring  a  musket  to  bear  upon  the  warrior,  without  endan- 
gering him  whose  life  they  were  anxious  to  preserve.  For  a  moment  or  two 
his  body  was  fairly  exposed,  and  a  dozen  muskets  were  discharged  at  intervals 
from  the  square,  but  all  without  success.  Recovering  his  lost  ground,  he  soon 
brought  the  pursued  again  in  a  line  between  himself  and  the  detachment, 
edging  rapidly  nearer  to  him  as  he  advanced,  and  uttering  terrific  yells,  that 
were  echoed  back  from  his  companions  on  the  brow  of  the  hill.  It  was  evi- 
dent, however,  his  object  was  the  re-capture,  not  the  destruction,  of  the  fly- 
ing man,  for  more  than  once  did  he  brandish  his  menacing  tomahawk  in 
rapid  sweeps  around  his  head,  as  if  preparing  to  dart  it,  and  as  often  did  he 
check  the  movement.  The  scene  at  each  succeeding  moment  became  more 
critical  and  intensely  interesting.    The  strength  of  the  pursued  was  now 


W  A  0  O  II  rt  T  A  ;      (»  U  ,     T  11  K     P  K  t>  F  H  K  I'  V 


65 


has 


nuarlv  cxliaiisti'd,  wliilc  Ihiil  dP  his  foniiidnldo  cnciiiy  sconii'd  to  suflbr  no 
diminution.  i.uup  iiftcr  lunp  hu  took  witii  tonrriil  su|)criority,  HJdulinK  uh  ho 
adTKuced.  Alrcufiy  hud  lio  olosod  upon  his  victim,  while  witli  a  sprinKing 
efibrl  a  hirp;(!  and  bony  hand  wax  i>xt(>ndcd  to  Hccuru  hiis  shoulder  in  his  (]:rusp. 
TIk!  ell'ui't  wus  ratal  to  liini ;  for  in  ri'tu-hini;  too  fur  ho  lost  his  lialanoe,  and 
fell  hi'Jivily  upon  the  sward.  A  shout  of  exultation  txirst  from  the  Knglish 
troopH,  and  numerous  voices  now  encourajted  the  inirsued  to  renew  his  exer- 
tions. The  advice  was  not  lost ;  and  alth(UiKh  only  a  few  seconds  had  elaps- 
ed bt'tween  the  fail  and  recovery  of  his  pursuer,  the  wretched  fugitive  had 
already  preatly  increased  the  distance  that  separated  them.  A  <'ry  of  .savuRO 
rage  an<l  disappointment  hurst  from  the  \'\\)h  of  the  nijrantic  wuirior.;  and  con- 
ODntratinp;  all  his  remainin)^  strength  and  speed  into  onetlual  etfort,  he  hound- 
ed and  leajti  like  a  deer  in  the  forest  wlience  he  came.  The  opportunity  for 
ro-captnre,  Jiowever,  had  l>een  lost  in  his  fall,  for  already  the  pursued  was 
within  a  few  feet  of  the  hij^h  road,  and  on  the  point  of  turninj;  the  extremi- 
ty «f  the  bridge.  One  only  resource  was  now  left:  the  warrior  suddenly 
chc«;ki!d  him.self  in  his  course,  and  remained  stationary ;  then  raising;  and 
droppiii)^  his  ulitterinp  weajwn  several  times  in  a  balancinff  position,  ho 
waited  until  the  pursued  had  jiained  the  highest  point  of  the  open  bridge.  At 
that  moment  the  glittering  steel,  aimed  with  singular  accuracy  and  procision, 
flew  whistling  through  the  air,  and  with  such  velocity  of  movement  as  to  be 
almost  invisible  to  the  eyes  of  those  who  attempted  to  follow  it  in  its  threat- 
eninp;  course.  All  expected  to  see  it  enter  into  the  brain  against  which  it  had 
been  tlirectt^d ;  but  the  fugitive  had  marked  the  movement  in  time  to  save 
himseif  by  stooping  low  to  the  earth,  while  the  weajjon,  jMussing  over  him,  en- 
tered with  a  deadly  and  crashing  sound  into  the  brain  of  the  weltering  corpse. 
This  danger  passed,  he  sprang  once  more  to  his  feet,  nor  paused  again  in  his 
flight  until,  faint  and  exhausted,  he  sank  without  motion  under  the  very  bay- 
oneta  of  the  (iring  party. 

A  new  direction  was  now  given  to  tlie  interest  of /the  assembled  and  dis- 
tinct crowds  that  had  witnessed  these  startling  incidents.  Scarcely  had  the 
wretched  man  gained  the  protection  of  the  soldiery,  when  a  shriek  divided  the 
air,  w>  wild,  so  piercing,  and  so  unearthly,  that  even  the  warrior  of  the  Pleur 
do  Lis  seemed  to  lose  sight  of  his  victim  m  the  harrowing  interest  produced  by 
that  dreadful  scream.  All  turned  their  eyes  for  a  moment  in  the  quarter 
whence  it  proceeded ;  when  presently,  from  behind  the  groups  of  Canadians 
crowning  tlie  slope,  was  seen  Hying,  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  one  who 
resemblei  I  rather  a  spectre  than  a  Ijcing  of  earth  ; — it  was  the  wife  of  Hallo- 
way.  Her  long  fair  hair  was  wild  and  streaming — her  feet,  and  legs,  and 
arms  were  naked — and  one  solitary  and  scanty  garment  displayed  rather  than 
concealed  the  symmetry  of  her  delicate  person.  She  Hew  to  the  fatal  bridge, 
threw  herself  on  the  body  of  her  bleeding  husband,  and  imprinting  her  warm 
kisses  on  his  bloody  lips,  for  a  moment  or  two  presented  the  image  of  one 
whose  reason  has  fled  for  ever.  Suddenly  she  started  from  the  earth ;  her 
face,  her  hands,  and  her  garments  so  saturated  with  the  blood  of  her  husband, 
that  a  feeling  of  horror  crept  throughout  the  veins  of  all  who  beheld  her. 
She  stood  upon  the  coflin,  and  across  the  corpse — raised  her  eyes  and  hands 
imploringly  to  Heaven — and  then,  in  accents  wilder  even  than  her  words,  ut- 
terwl  an  inij)recation  that  soundedi  like  the  prophetic  warning  of  some  unholy 
spirit. 

'•Tnliuman  nuu'dcrer!"  she  exclaimed,  in  tones  that  almost  paralyzed  the 
tyiu.-i  on  which  it  fell,  '"if  there  be  a  Uod  of  justice  and  of  truth,  he  will 
avenge  this  devilish  deed.  Yes.  Colonel  de  Ilahlimar,  a  prophetic  voice  whis- 
pers to  my  soul,  that  even  as  I  have  seen  perish  before  my  eyes  all  that  I 
loved  on  earth,  without  mercy  and  without  hope,  so  even  shall  you  witness 
the  destruction  of  your  accursed  race.  Here — here — here,"  and  she  jiointed 
downwards,  with  singular  energy  of  action,  to  the  rorpse  of  her  husband, 
"  here  shall  their  blood  flow  till  every  vestige  of  his  own  is  washed  away,  and 
5 


-I 


66 


\V  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      OR,      THE      T  U  O  P  H   E  C  Y  . 


oh,  if  thpvc  Ik!  si)iiic(l  one  branch  of  thy  dctostcfl  family,  nmy  it  tx-  only 
that  tliey  may  he  reserved  for  some  death  too  horrible  to  he  conceived!" 

Overcon.o  by  tlie  fi-antic  enerjiy  with  which  she  liad  uttered  those  :ipj)alling 
words,  she  sank  backwards,  and  fell,  atterinfr  another  shriek,  into  the  arms 
of  tlie  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis,  who  liore  olf  his  i)rize  in  triunijjh,  and  tied, 
with  nearl}-  the  same  exjMidition  lie  had  previously  manifijsted.  in  the  direction 
of  the  forest,  before  any  one  could  recover  sufficiently  from  the  eftect  of  the 
jjccnc  to  think  even  of  mterferiuu;. 


CHAPTER  X. 


t 


It  was  on  the  evening  of  that  day,  so  fertile  in  melancholy  incident,  to 
which  the  previous  jjiiges  have  be«!n  devoted,  that  the  draw-bridge  of  Detroit 
was,  for  the  third  time  since  the  investment  of  the  fjarrison.  lowered  ;  not  as 
previously,  with  a  disregard  of  the  intimation  that  might  be  given  to  those 
without  bj'  the  sullen  and  echoing  rattle  of  its  ponderous  chains,  but  with  a 
caution  attesting  how  much  secrcsy  of  purpose  Avas  sought  to  l)e  jneserved. 
There  was,  howevcT',  no  array  of  armed  men  within  tlio  wall:-,  that  denote<l 
an  expedition  of  a  hostile  character.  Overcome  with  the  haiassing  duties  of 
the  day,  the  chief  portion  of  the  ti'oops  had  retircil  to  rest,  and  a  few  groups 
of  the  guard  alone  were  to  be  seen  walking  up  and  down  in  front  of  their 
post,  ai)i)areni,ly  with  a  view  to  check  the  iniiuence  of  midnight  drowsiness. 
but,  in  reality,  to  witness  the  result  of  certain  preparations  going  on  by  torcii- 
light  in  the  centre  of  the  bariaok  s(]uare. 

In  the  midst  of  an  an.xious  grou))  of  otlicer.s,  comi)ri-;ing  U'.'.'.rly  aT  <>i  that 
rank  within  the  fort,  stood  two  inr!ivi<luals.  attireil  in  a  ccstutno  having  noth- 
hig  in  (;ommon  with  the  .cay  and  martial  ha.bilimcnts  oi'  ihe  fonuev.  They 
were  tall,  handsome  young  men.  whose  native  elegance  of  cari'iage  was  but 
imperfectly  hidden  under  an  equipment  c'-idcntly  adopted  for,  and  otherwise 
fully  ans\«'ring.  the  jivirjiose  oi"  disguise.  A  bhu^  cotton  .siii'll  jacket,  c'o-ely 
fitting  to  the  person,  t.rowsers  of  t!ie  same  material,  a  i)air  of  strong  deer- 
skin moccasins,  and  a  cohjied  hanillcerchiof  tieil  Ivioseiy  round  the  collar  of  a 
checked  shirt,  the  whole  surmounted  by  a  rougii  blanket  coat,  forming  tlie 
priuciijal  portion  of  their  garb,  loach,  moreovir.  wore  a  false  (j/n^iif  of  ;'.l)f.ut 
nine  inches  in  hngth.  the  eli'eet  of  which  was  c()iii])lete!y  to  I'liange  tlie  cliar- 
acter  of  the  countenance,  and  rendei-  to  the  fatuns  a  ( 'aiuidian-like  expres- 
sion. A  red  worsted  cap.  resemliling  a  huiini't  dc  naif,  was  1  brown  carelessly 
over  the  side  of  the  head,  which  could,  at  any  mornini.  ;\'hen  (kej)er  <lisgnise 
shonkl  be  deemed  necessary,  connnand  the  additionid  jirotection  of  the  rude 
hood  that  fell  had:  upon  the  shuuide'S  (ixnn  the  collar  of  the  coat  to  which  it 
was  attaclied.  Into  a  bread  beli.  that  encircled  tho  Jacket  el' each,  were  thrust 
a  biace  of  pistols  and  a  st)ong  daiiger  ;  the  whole  ^^o  disposeil,  Iiowevrr.  as  to 
be  invisible  ".hen  the  oai-r  gaimeiii  v.i';  clo.sed  :  tiiis.  .vT'iiii.  wsis  conlined  l)v 
a  rude  sash  oi'  wMi'sied  of  uillerent  colors,  not  unlike,  in  texture  and  ([uality, 
what  is  worn  by  our  sergeants  av  the  ]Hv.cnt  day.  'I'hey  wmv  otherwise 
aj'Uied.  h'JA  ever,  and  in  a  kss  scci'ei.  nii.nner.  .Vcross  the  right  shoulder  of 
each  was  (liro„-n  a  belt  of  worsted  .also  to  which  were  attached  a  rude  pow- 
der-hori>  ;  \u\  .-:h<)l-pouch,  wiUi  a  fe>v  strage.lin'v  bullets,  jilaced  there  as  if 
rather  by  .iceii'ent  than  design.  Kach  held  earckss!;.  in  his  l*  1>  hand,  anfl 
with  its  bu'it  resiiug  on  'ilie  earth,  a  long  gun  ;  co'.Kjiifjiig  an  appearance-,  ihe 
attainment  of  wliich  'i.'ul.  in  all  iiiobab'iily.  b.-en  .-;c(iul(iiisly  smejM. — that  of 
a  Canadian  duck-hunlv  r. 

A  metamoriilio-',-;  so  ludieroe.-ly  op.  rated  in  the  usually  cleg;int  costume  of 


two  young  Kng'i>h  oi'.i- 


-■■uch  the\  were, — liiight  have  been  e>:]iei'icd  to 


afford  scojie  to  the' pk:a'-ai:( ry  oftiieir  companions,  and  ^o  call  forth  the: 


-^.il- 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A 


O  T, 


T  II  E      PRO  1'  H  E  C  Y . 


6T 


lies  which  the  intini.aoy  of  fiiondslii])  .-.nd  ;iie  (Veniiiisonry  of  the  profession 
would  have  fully  justified.  I'ut  the  events  that  had  occr.red  in  such  i-apid 
succession,  since  the  preceding;  uiidninht,  wer''  still  i)a:'nfu]ly  impressed  on  the 
recollection  of  all,  and  some  there  were  who  looked  as  if  they  never  wonld 
smile  again ;  neither  laugh  nor  jeering,  therefore,  escaped  the  lips  of  one  of 
the  surrounding  group,  Every  countenance  woie  a,  cast  of  thought, — a  char- 
acter of  abstraction,  ill  suited  to  the  indulgence  of  levitj' ;  and  the  little  con- 
versation that  i»assed  between  tliem  was  in  a  low  and  serious  tone.  It  was 
evident  some  powerful  and  absorbing  dread  existed  in  the  mind  of  each,  in- 
ducing him  rather  to  indulge  in  communion  with  his  own  thoughts  and  im- 
pressions, than  to  communicate  them  to  others.  Even  the  governor  himself 
had,  for  a  moment,  put  ofl'  his  usual  distanci-,  to  assume  an  air  of  unfeigne<i 
concern,  and  it  might  be,  dejection,  contrasting  strongly  with  his  habitual 
haughtiness.  Hitherto  he  had  been  walkiTig  to  and  fro,  a  little  apart  from  the 
gi'oup,  and  with  a  hurriedness  and  indecision  of  movement  that  betrayed  to 
all  the  extreme  agitation  of  his  mind.  For  once.  howeYcr,  he  appeared  to  be, 
if  not  insi'n.>iible  to  oliser\atioii,  iiidiH'eivnl  lo  wimtever  comments  might  be 
formed  or  expressed  bj'  those  who  witnessed  his  uiiidtion.  He  was  at  length 
interrupted  by  (he  adjutant,  who  communicated  souictiiing  in  a  low  voice. 

"  fiCt  him  be  brought  ii]).  Mr.  Ijii.wson."  was  tlio  reply.  Then  advancing 
into  the  heart  of  the  group,  and  addressing  the  two  adventurers,  he  enquired, 
in  a  tone  that  startled  from  its  singular  miMnoss.  •■  if  they  were  provided  with 
everything  they  required." 

.\n  aflirmative  reply  was  given,  when  the  governor,  taking  the  ta'ler  of  the 
yoimg  men  aside,  conversed  with  him  earnestly,  and  in  a  tone  of  alf'ection 
strangely  blended  Avith  despondency.  'L'lie  intoncw.  however.  v;us  short,  for 
Mr.  Lawson  now  mach;  his  ajipearauce.  conducting  ;',n  individual  wlio  has  al- 
ready been  introduced  to  our  readers.  It  was  the  Canadiaii  of  the  Flcur  de 
Lis.  The  adjutant  placed  a  .<nmll  wooden  cruci'i.v  in  the  hands  of  tho  governor. 
"  Fran\'Oi.s,"  said  the  latter,  iiiipressively.  '"you  know  the  terms  on  M'uich  I 
have  consented  to  spare  your  lile.  .Syrm',  tiivii.  by  thi".  (Toss;  that  you  will 
be  faithful  to  3'our  trust ;  tlcit  niitliev  treachery  nor  evasion  shall  be  practised; 
and  that  you  will  to  the  uti-iost  of  vdur  power,  aid  in  coin  eying' tin  se  gentle- 
men to  their  destination.     Knee!  and  swear  it.'' 

"  1  do  swear  it !"  fervently  repcatod  iIk;  anliergiste.  kneeling  and  imprinting 
his  lips  with  becoming  reverein  e  on  th  ■  symbol  of  martyrdom.  "  I  swear  to 
do  dat  1  shall  engage,  and  may  do  bon  Dieu  have  mr ry  to  my  soul  as  I  shall 
fuliil  my  oat." 

'•Amen."  pronounced  the  irovcnnor.  "and  r.iay  Hcuvci'  deid  by  you  even  as 
you  deal  by  us.  Bear  in  mind,  moreover.  liii>i.  as  y)ur  ti-.'achery  will  be  })un- 
ished,  so  also  shall  your  lirlcliiy  1);.  rewarded.  Ijut  the  niirht  wears  ap:ic(!,  and 
ye  have  much  to  do."'  Then  liirning  to  tt'c  yoiii)'.;  officers  who  w.'re  !i)  be  hi.s 
companions. — '•  (iod  bless  yon  borh  ;  r.uiy  your  enterprise  be  suces.-'ful !  1 
fear."  ott'ering  his  hand  to  tlic  ynungir.  ■  I  iiive  sitoken  harshly  to  you  but 
at  a  moment  like  thi;  )m;scnt  you  \v\\\  no  lor.ucr  eheri^-h  n  recollection  of  the 
unpleasant  past.'' 

The  only  aiiSM-er  was  a coidiid  ri't:i;i;  ■■>{'  ti' ;  cv.vn  pre-^nre.  The  t^'nn.uJian 
in  his  tuin  now  annouufod  the  lu'cessity  ibv  in  ■t.iii!  (lepn'ture  when  the  young 
men,  following  his  exain))ie,  l!irew  thr'w  lung  :x'.m--  <\ire]e:sly  over  Iho  left 
shoulder.  Lov.-,  ray)id.  and  f;■r^Tllt  adicii.v  \v.:n-  nrr/'red  on  both  sides ;  and  al- 
though the  I'.ands  of  the  sejiaiMting  piirties  met  only  in  a  .short  and  hurried 
grasp,  tiiere  was  an  cspres-ion  in  ("lie  t'ntcb  of  c.ich  that  spoke  to  their  several 
hearts  long  aftef  the  sepprali'M!  h.'id  uctnidly  taken  pl.Mce. 

"  St;\y  one  moment !"  excl-'iiiied  a  voiiv,  ms  tiie  little  party  novv-  moved  to- 
wards the  gate-way,  "ye  are  lioth  gtillantiy  enough  j^rovidefl  without,  but 
have  forgotten  lh"re  is  someiliiii";  (|:ii'''  as  !ie,'es-iiry  to  sustain  the  inward 
man.  Du.'k  stiootiu'r,  y<ni  know,  is  w  t  wovlc.  'i'lie  \t\sty  lips  that  wei-e 
moistened  from  this,"  he  jirocci'ded.  as  the  younuer  of  the  disguised  men  throw 


«8 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophecy. 


il 


the  .sti-ap  of  thu  piolibred  canteen  over  liis  shouldei-,  "  were  those  of  poor  Ellon 

11»1J0«11J'." 

'i'lio  mention  of  thiit  name,  so  lioedlessly  pronounced  by  the  brave  but  in- 
considerate Ei'skino.  jiroduced  a  startlin}^  effect  on  the  taller  of  the  departing 
oWicers.  He  stnu.'k  his  l)ro\v  violejitly  witli  his  hand,  uttered  a  faint  groan, 
«nd  bending:  his  head  upon  his  chest,  stood  in  an  attitude  expressive  of  the 
deep  KUfl'erinji'  of  liis  mind.  Tlie  governor,  too.  appeared  agitate<l:  and  sounds 
like  those  of  supjiressod  sobs  came  from  one  wlio  lingered  at  tiie  side  of  liini 
wlio  hud  accepted  the  oflt'r  of  the  canteen.  Tiie  remainder  of  the  othccrs  pvi-- 
5wrvcd  )i  deep  and  ninnnitiU  silence. 

••  It  is  times  dat  we  slionid  start,"  again  observed  the  Canadian.  "  or  wc 
sliall  be  talcen  by  de  daylight  before  wc  can  cleai'  ile  river." 

This  intimation  once  more  aroused  the  shnnbei'ing  energies  of  the  taller  of- 
licer.  Again  he  (h-cw  up  his  commanding  ligure,  extended  his  hand  to  the 
governor  in  ^ilcnic,  and  turning  abruptly  round,  hastened  to  follow  close  in 
the  footstejis  of  iiis  condu(.'tor. 

•'  You  will  not  forget  all  I  have  said  to  you."  whispered  the  voice  of  one 
who  liad  reserved  his  parting  for  the  last,  and  who  now  held  the  hand  of  the 
younger  adventurer  closely  clas{)ed  within  his  own,  "  Think,  oh,  think  how 
much  de))unds  on  the  event  of  your  dangerous  enterprise." 

*•  When  30U  behoUl  me  again."  was  the  re|)ly,  " it  will  be  with  smiles  on 
my  lij)  and  ghulness  in  nn-  lieart ;  for  if  we  fail,  there  is  that  which  whispers 
I  shall  ]ievcr  see  you  more.  l>ut  keep  up  your  spirits  and  hope  for  the  best. 
We  eml)ark  under  cheerless  auspices,  it  is  true ;  but  let  us  trust  to  Providence 
for  success  in  so  good  a  cause. — (<od  bless  you  !" 

In  tlio  next  minute  he  had  joined  his  companions ;  who,  with  light  and 
noiseless  tread,  wei'c  already  pursuing  their  way  along  the  military  I'oail  that 
led  to  the  eastern  extremity  of  the  town.  Soon  afterwards  the  heavy  chains 
of  the  drawl)ridge  were  iieard  grating  on  the  car.  in  despite  of  the  evident  cau- 
tion used  in  restoring  it  to  its  wonted  position,  and  all  again  was  still. 

it  had  at  first  l)een  suggested  their  course  should  be  held  in  an  angular 
direction  across  the  cleared  country  alluded  to  in  our  last  chapter,  in  order  to 
avoid  all  chance  of  recognition  in  the  town ;  but  as  this  might  have  led  them 
into  more  dangerous  contact  with  some  of  the  outlying  parties  of  Indians,  who 
were  known  to  prowl  around  tlie  fort  at  night,  this  plan  had  been  abandoned 
for  the  more  circuitous  and  safe  passage  by  the  village.  Through  this  our 
little  partj-  now  pursued  their  way,  and  without  encountering  aught  to  im- 
pede their  progress.  Tlie  shnple  mannered  inhabitants  had  long  since  retired 
to  rest,  and  neitlior  light  nor  sound  denoted  the  existence  of  man  or  beast 
within  its  precincts.  At  length  they  reached  that  part  of  the  road  which 
turned  oft"  abruptly  in  the  direction  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis.  The  rude  )iut  threw 
Its  dark  shadows  across  their  path,  but  all  was  still  and  deathlike  as  in  the 
village  thej-  had  just  quitted.  Presently,  however,  as  they  drew  nearer,  they 
beheld,  reflected  fiom  one  of  the  upper  windows,  a  faint  light  that  fell  upon 
the  ground  immediately  in  front  of  the  aubergo  ;  and,  at  intervals,  the  figure 
of  a  human  being  apjn'oaching  and  receding  from  it  as  if  In  the  act  of  pacing 
tlic  ajiartment. 

An  instinctive  feeling  of  danger  rose  at  the  same  moment  t  the  hearts  of 
the  young  officers ;  and  each,  obeying  the  same  impulse,  unfastened  one  of 
the  large  liorn  buttons  of  his  blanket  coat,  and  thrust  his  right  hand  into  the 
opening. 

••  Fran9ois.  recollect  your  oath,"  hastily  aspirate<l  the  elder  as  he  grasped 
the  hand  of  their  conductor  rather  in  sujiplication  than  in  threat ;  •■  if  there  be 
aught  to  harm  us  here,  your  own  life  will  most  assm'cdiy  pay  the  forfeit  of 
your  faith." 

"It  is  nothing  but  a  woman,"  calmly  returned  the  Canadian;  •' it  is  my 
.Babette  who  is  sorry  at  my  loss.     But  1  shall  come  and  tell  you  directly." 
He  then  stole  .uentiv  round  the  coiner  of  the  hul,  lea\ing  his  aiixiou--  roin- 


^^ 


W  A  C  O  U  3  T  A  ;      OR,     THE     PROPHECY. 


6d 


■  poor  Ellen 

ave  but  iu- 
(Icparting 
aint  groaii, 
isive  of  the 
111(1  sounds 
<i(le  of  liim 
ifticci's  nri'- 

an.  ••  or  wc 

c  taller  of- 
laml  to  the 
)w  close  iu 

oice  of  one 
and  of  the 
think  how 

1  .smiles  on 
!i  whispers 
r  the  best. 
Providence 

i^ht  and 

road  that 

avy  chains 

'ident  cau- 

ill. 

lu  angular 
n  order  to 
J  led  them 
liaiis,  who 
ibancloncd 
1  this  our 
;ht  to  im- 
ice  retired 
1  or  beast 
jail  which 
hut  threw 
!  as  in  the 
arer,  they 
fell  ujion 
the  ligui'e 
of  pacing 

hearts  of 
.'il  one  of 
1  into  the 

.'  srasjied 
r  there  be 
furfuit  of 

■  it  is  iin- 
irtly."  ■ 

OUS  .(,111- 


panions  in  the  rear  of  tlie  litlle  liuildiiig,  and  (•duipletely  veiled  in  the  obscurity 
jiroduced  by  the  miuirling  shadows  of  the  hut  itself,  and  a  low  tall  pear  ti-eea 
that  ovirhnufi,  the  paling  of  tlie  orchard  at  some  yards  from  the  spot  ou  which' 
tlioy  stood. 

'I'iiey  waited  .some  minutes  to  hear  the  result  of  the  Canadian's  admittance 
into  his  dwelling;  liut  althoiigli  each  with  siipjiressed  breathing  .sought  to- 
catch  tho.'^e  soiiuds  of  welcoiiie  with  wliii:li  a  daughter  might  be  supposed  ta 
greet  a  parent  so  unexpectedly  restored,  they  listened  m  vain.  At  length, 
liort'e\er,  while  the  ears  of  both  were  on  the  rack  to  driiik  in  the  tones  of  h 


,M 


-.*\\\ 


liiiiiKiiL  y.mCl,  (I  iiiiitu  .>i "iViiiii  liOiiiCi't  .'Jii  iiic  iiu.-Miv.M  ii'ii\  iiUw  iiti  (igam  V.'; 

•Mlood!"  wliispercd  the  elder  of  tlie  otiicers  ;  "that  scream  is  sweeter  to 
my  ears  than  the  .sol'lest  ai'cculs  of  i  wom.'iu's  love.  It  is  evident  the  onli- 
uai'V  tones  of  s})eecli  caiiiioL  liiid  thvir  way  to  us  lieri;  from  the  front  of  the 
lint.  The  faiiituc.-;s  of  you  iry.  wliii'b  was  luwjuestioii.ibly  that  of  a  fenuile, 
is  a  convineiug  proof  of  il." 


Hist!' 


1  his  compauiou.  iu  the  same  almost  inaudible  whisper,  "what' 


ur 
sound  was  that  ?' 

Uotli  again  listened  atteuliMly.  wlieii  the  noise  was  rejieated.  It  carae 
from  the  orchard,  and  resembled  the  souiul  jiroduced  by  the  faint  cra.sh  of 
rotten  sticks  and  leaves  uudir  the  ciuitious  but  unavoidably  rending  tread  of 
a  human  foot^  .Vt  intervals  it  <.'e,'ised.  as  if  the  person  treading,  alarmed  at 
his  own  noi.se,  was  apjiri'lu'iisive  of  betraying  bis  ajiiuoach  ;  and  then  recom- 
menced, only  to  be  cheeked  in  tlie  same  manner,  finally  it  ceased  altogether.. 
For  upwards  of  live  minutes  the  young  men  continued  to  listen  lor  a  renewal 
of  the  sound,  but  nothing  was  now  audible,  save  the  short  and  fitful  gusts  of 
a  rising  wind  among  tlu;  trees  of  the  orchard. 

"  Jt  must  have  been  some  wilil  animal  in  search  of  it'  prey,"  agahi  wliis- 
pered  the  younger  officer ;  "  had  it  beena  man.  we  .should  have  heard  him  leap 
the  paling  before  this." 

'*  By  Heaven,  we  aro  betrayed, — here  he  is,"  quickly  ri-joined  the  other,  in 
the  same  low  tone.  "Keep  close  to  the  hut.  and  stand  behind  me.  If  my 
dagger  fail,  you  must  try  your  own.  IJut  lire  not,  on  your  life,  miless  there 
be  more  than  two,  for  the  repoi't  of  a  pistol  will  be  the  destruction  of  our- 
.selve.s,  and  all  that  are  dear  to  us."  Kach  with  uplifted  arm  now^  stood  ready 
to  strike,  even  while  his  heart  throbbed  with  a  .sense  of  danger,  that  had  far 
more  than  the  mere  dread  of  personal  siilfering  or  death  to  stimulate  to  exer- 
tion in  self-defence.  Footsteps  were  now  distinctly  heard  stealing  round  that 
part  of  the  hut  wliich  bordered  on  the  road  ;  and  the  young  men  turned  from 
the  orchard,  to  which  their  attention  had  previously  been  directed,  towards 
the  new  quarter  whence  they  were  intruded  ujion. 

It  was  fortunate  this  mode  of  approach  had  been  select-d.  That  part  of 
the  hut  which  rested  on  the  road  was  so  expo.sed  as  to  throw  the  outline  of 
objects  into  strong  relief,  whereas  iu  tin  direction  of  the  thickly  wooded  oi- 
chard  all  was  impenetrable  gloom.  Had  the  intruder  stolen  unannounced 
upon  the  alarmed  but  determined  otiicers  •  the  latter  route,  the  dagger  of 
the  tirst  would  in  all  probability  have  beei  iilunged  to  its  hilt  in  his  bosoin. 
.\s  it  was,  each  had  sullicient  presence  ol  lind  to  distinguish,  as  it  now 
doubled  the  coiner  of  the  hut.  and  lejio.sed  u  >n  the  road,  the  stout,  squure- 
.set  iigure  of  the  Canadian.  The  diiggers  \\ere  instantlj^  restored  to  their 
sheaths,  and  each,  for  the  first  time  since  the  departure  of  their  companion, 
respired  freely.  "  It  is  quite  well,"  whisjieved  the  latter  as  he  approached. 
•  It  was  my  poor  Habette.  who  touglit  I  was  gone  to  be  kill.  She  .scream  .so 
loud  as  if  >;he  had  seen  my  ghost.  I  Jut  we  must  wait  a,  few  minute  iu  de 
house  and  you  shall  see  how  glad  my  girl  is  to  see  me  once  again." 

"Why  this  delay.  Kraiirois  ?  why  not  start  directly  ?"  urged  the  taller  offi- 
cer ;  "  we  shall  never  clear  the  river  in  time ;  and  if  the  dawn  catches  us  iu 
the  waters  of  the  Detroit  we  are  lost  for  ever." 

''  But  you  see  1  .im  not  (piite  i.fepaie  yet."  was  the  answer.     '"  I  haveuumy 


I 


70 


\V   A  t   O   V 


i:     1»  R  0  I'  JI  E  C  V 


iings  U)  hi;!  nsuly  IV.r  thj  ci'.iiuf.  \viii''ii  I  liavv'  not  u>o  Tor  ;i  Ion;;'  liiin--. 
yo'i  wli-'ill  M')l  ^^i^iL  h'n  ipiiiiiic.  if  \(m  dd  iiol  likf'.     Di'vo  is  .".  f-ooii   fire 
Bahftti!  shall  v.ivc  voi;  t-i^mc  lir.v;  ;.i  i:'i.  v.Wir  !  vol.  it  all  rcii'lv." 


;.K(!i' 
•uiiy. 

1  1)  (io 


'.i'  tl'i'  ('riUiuliai!,  win)  li; 
llii-  fort.  Ir.id.  to  ^ 


■11  Tr 


ill 


'•(ill  it  v,M>;  evident  if  (li>jic.si.Ho  ': 
so  \viihi):ri  Mucli  risk  of  cirl*  liLil  '.ij^j 
;'in'Ui;i:a:Hi(/ci,  tlicvcfdrc,  it   was  iiiivi? 


.ri; 


The  younu'iiK'n  Iiusitalc:!. 
cd!)-  MVfrx(\  the  m-c'js-iii,*-  lor  c 
of  it,  an  appLaiaiKr  of  iiiedii!'. 
them  he  hail  Ivi'l  <i)i|)Oilunity 
tioii  from  tlieiHsehcs.  I  ikI: v 
ratlici'  (o  appcjii-  to  cuiii'iiie  iiiipiiiitix  in  iii,'  tnith,  than,  by  inanifcstinir  sn.-ii- 
cioii,  to  picjiie  his  self-iovc  anil  iiti'.iral'-:'  wlialevor  favorable  int(ii(ions  li" 
might  (')ii  rish  in  liivii-  i'ciialf.  In  this  tuode  ol'  cdniluct  they  were  cdnfiiwKi!, 
fty  ■"'■•  vecollcction  ol'  the  .'acreuness  alt  u-hci!  liy  the  religion  of  their  eondnetor 
t<)  tlie  oatlt  so  solemnly  |iU-d^\'d  on  the  syn-'dol  of  the  eross,  and  by  a  eonvic- 
tion  of  the  danji'cr  of  obsevvatinn  (o  vrliieh  tluy  stood  exposed,  if,  as  they 
had  appi'ehended.  it  \va>  aetnally  a  hinnan  liiotstej*  they  luid  heard  in  the  or- 
chard,    'i'his  lasl  r('col!''<'tion  sti.'j,-;;esied  a  i\'mar!.-. 

•'  AVe  lieard  a  siranuc  soiimi  Avithin  tiu>  orchard,  while  waiting,'  hero  for 
yoiu'rctni'n."  said  ihe  taller  oflicer ;  •  it  \va--  li;;,'  t};e  footstep  of  a  man  tread- 
ing cautiouslj'  over  rotten  leaves  aiul  bi'ancl/e-:.     ihiw  do  yon  acconnt  for  it?" 

"Oh.  it  was  my  pius  "  ri'plied  (he  ( 'ana;lian,  withont  manifesting  the  slif:;ht- 
osfc  nneasine.ss  at  the  infoi-nKdion.  •  They  rnn  iibont  in  <le  ort'hard  for  de 
apples  what  blows  down  wid  de  wind." 

"Itionid  not  he  u  pi;^  we  heard."  pnrsned  his  (jnestioner;  "hnt  another 
tiling,  l''ranvois,  befon:  we  eonsent  to  enter  the  hnl. — how  will  yon  aceount  to 
your  liauirliter  for  our  orestne;- ?  and  what  suspieion  may  she  not  form  at 
.sooiuji'  two  armed  stranivers  in  company  vrilh  you  at  this  unseasonable  hour?" 

"  I  liave  (ell  h.er."  re])iie{l  llie  fanailian.  •  (ht  I  have  brin;>;  two  friend.s,  who 
po  wid  me  iii  do  canoe  to  sliooi  de  trucks  lor  two  tree  days.  You  know,  sir, 
)  l^o  idways  in  de  fall  to  kill  de  duek.-.  \\  id  my  friends,  iuul  she  will  not  tink 
it  stran,i;e." 

" '\  on  have  niana'ieil  well,  my  inave  follow;  and  now  we  follow  you  in 
t-ontidcnce.  But  in  the  name  of  Heaven  use  all  possible  de.spateh.  and  if 
money  will  lend  a  spur  to  >our  actions,  you  shall  have  plenty  of  it  when  our 
viitci'prist^  has  been  acc(uni.lisl\ed." 

Oil!'  adventurers  Ibliowe;!  liieir  condriclor  in  the  track  by  which  lie  had  so 
recvntiy  i'(;joined  them.  As  they  turned  the  corner  of  the  hut,  the  yoiuijijer, 
who  brou.ij'it  up  the  ivai'.  lancicd  h.c  apiiu  heard  a  sound  in  the  direction  of 
the  orchard.  rcsemVilinjr  that  cd'  one  iiirhtly  leapinji  to  the  ground.  A  gust  of 
wind,  'idwever.  passin;x  rapidly  at  (he  moiueiU  (hrough  the  dense  foliage,  led 
bnu  to  believe  it  might  have  Ijeen  ])roduce(l  by  (he  sullen  fall  of  one  of  the 
iieavy  fruits  it  had  decached  in  its  course,  rnwilling  to  excite  new  and  un- 
ne\-(ssi(ry  su-jiicion  in  his  coiiipanidii.  I:"  con  lined  the  circumstance  to  his  own 
lireast,  and  liiilowed  into  tiie  iinl. 

.''.fttr  ascending  a  lii'ih!  of  about,  a  down  rude  steps,  they  found  themselves 
JK  a  small  rooMi,  l'urni>iu;(  with  no  oilier  ceiling  than  the  sloping  roof  itself, 
ami  iiglitid  by  an  unwiold.y  iron  lump,  placed  tm  a  heavy  oak  table,  near  (he 
o7iiy  window  with  w)ii<  h  the  apartment  was  provided.  The  latter  had  snf- 
fert-il  niurh  from  theinliueiice  of  (imeaiid  tempest;  and  owing  to  theddllcnlty 
of  p)viciiring  glass  in  so  remote  a  ii  gion.  hail  l)een  patched  with  slips  of  pajjcr 
in  viM-ious  paiT;-.  The  two  cornei-  and  lower  panes  of  the  bottom  .'■ash  were 
out  altdi'i'diev.  and  pine  shingle^,  se.cli  as  are  used  even  at  the  present  day  for 
e/)vering  the  roots  of  dwelling  houses,  had  been  litted  into  the  sipiariis,  ox- 
eluding  air  and  light  al  tlie  same  time.  The  centre  pane  of  this  tier  was. 
hoAVCver.  clear  anil  free  from  Haw  of  i\ery  description.  Opjiosite  to  the  win- 
dow lilazed  a  cheerful  v.iiod  lire,  recently  sujiplied  with  fuel;  and  at  one  of 
the  inner  conn  rs  of  tlie  room  was  plr.ced  a  low  uncurtained  bed,  that  ex- 
liihited  )narks  of  havinu'  been  lain  in  since  it  was  last  made.     On  a  chair  at 


s? 


jm 


W  A  C  0  V  S  T  A 


()  K 


T  II  K     1>  U  O  P  11  E  (J  Y 


71 


111'': 


iin 


.•II  Ti'N  •>'  ■ 
■  ifu^!  :.:- 
1  to  ,':.-. I'l,: 
:,'    ;.];].,.-:. 

tiii/r  sM>;i;- 
(■iiliuiis  h" 
(■i)iifir;iK'(), 
coiKdictor 
a  convitv 
f,  iis  tlu'v 
in  the  nr- 

;•  here  I'di- 
nan  (load- 
nt  for  it  ?" 
the  slJRlit- 
11(1  for  lic- 
it another 
ii'C'ount  to 
t  form  at 
!<•  hour?" 
ends,  uho 
know,  sir, 
I  not  tinlc 

w  you  in 
L'h.  and  if 
wlien  our 

It'  ha<l  so 
jounKer, 
I'cction  of 
A  gtist  of 
)liaj;e.  ht] 
lie  of  the 
and  tin- 
)  his  own 

ii'nisolvos 
)of  itself 
near  (he 
h;iil  siif- 
(iifliciilty 
I'f  l)aj)ei- 
ish  wei'c 
i  day  for 
ares,  ex- 
lioi'  was. 
the  win- 
t  one  of 
tliat  ex- 
chair  at 


its  side  were  heaped  a  few  dark-lookinn;  "lannents.  the  precise  nature  of  whi(;li 
were  Tiot  distinf^nishahle  at  a  ciu'sory  :\inl  distant  dance. 

iSuch  were  the  nu)ri>  reniarkahle  feiiiUi'C';  ni'  (iie  a))arlment  into  whicli  our 
adven'nrers  were  now  nsliered.  iSotti  inoki'il  <'aiU:oiisly  iiroiinil  on  entering, 
as  if  e.\p;'ciii)<2;  to  iind  it  tenanted  'uy  sjiirit.-  as  ilniin.'j;  as  tlieir  own  ;  l>nt,  \\ith 
tlie  exception  of  tlie  dauLvliter  of  tii'ir  eoniliietor,  wiioso  moist  lilaek  (.■yi:.-^  ex- 
pressed, as  nmeh  hy  tear.->  as  iiy  smiles,  ihe  Joy  siie  felt  at  tliis  unexpected  ro- 
turn  of  her  jiarent,  no  livini!;  odjecv  met  iheir  enijuirini;  jilance.  'I'iie  tkua- 
dian  phiccd  a  eonpl'.'  of  rush-liottoni'.d  chairs  ncai-  the  tire,  invited  iiis  com- 
panions to  .seat  thiMiiselves  until  he  had  c,onipli;teil  his  preparations  for  depar- 
ture, and  then,  desiiinjc  ('ahette  1o  hasten  supper  for  the  young  hunters,  (piit- 
ted  tlio  rooii)  and  descended  the  stairs. 


CliAl'TER  XI. 

Tun  i>osition  of  the  yonn;:  men  was  one  of  enilmiTassment ;  for  while  tlio 
dauji;htei',  who  was  busied  in  executing;  the  command  of  jier  father,  remained 
in  the  room,  it  was  inipossil)le  they  could  converse  to.^ether  without  hctray- 
ing  the  secret  of  their  country,  and.  as  a  result  of  this,  the  falsehood  of  the 
character  under  which  they  appeared.  JjOnj>'  rcsideiu;o  in  the  country  had,  it 
is  true,  rendered  tlie  patoi.s  of  that  class  of  people  whom  they  ])eTsonal.i:il  I'a- 
iniHai'  to  one,  Imt  'Jie  other  s])oke  only  the  jiure  ami  native  ]an,i>iia,u:e  of  which 
it  was  a  corruption.  It  luiolil  have  occurred  to  tiiem  at  a  cooler  momeni.  and 
under  less  critical  cireumsLances,  that,  even  if  their  dis;i'ui.«e  had  beer,  penu- 
trated,  it  was  unlikely  a  female,  nianifestinc;  so  Tuucli  lively  aU'oction  !'or  her 
parcn!,  would  have  dotic  au;j;ht  to  injure  those  with  whom  he  liad  evidently 
<'onjiected  himself.  i]ut  the  importance  attached  to  their  entire  security  from 
danu'cr  left  them  but  little  room  for  retle.ctions  of  a  cahninfr  character,  wliilo 
a  doubt  ol'uha^  security  remained. 

One  siii,^'uiarity  stiiick  them  bolli.  Tliey  liud  e.\pected  the  yo\ui<i'  woman, 
ui-ged  by  a  nat-ir.d  ciiriiisity,  would  have  (wmmenced  a  i-on versa tiou,  even  if 
they  did  m  t ;  and  he  who  spoke  vhe  patois  was  prepared  to  .■sustain  it  as  well 
as  his  anxious  and  overchar'^ed  spirit  would  enable  him  ;  and  as  lie  w.-is  .•iwaif 
the  moruiu;;-  had  furnished  siiflicicnt  incident  of  fearful  interest,  lie  imd  nii- 
turally  looked  for  a  verbnl  i('-;'iiactment  ol'  the  hairo\',iii;j,'  and  dreadi'iil  .reiie. 
To  tlv,.'ir  surprise,  however,  tiny  both  remai'la'd  that,  lav  from  evinchi;.';  a  de- 
sire to  I'.itir  inio  couv, rsation.  the  youu.'i  wonum  scarcely  ever  !ool:,'(i  at 
them  bui  linjitreii  constantly  near  the  table,  and  iii'inir  the  wiiuiow.  ;Still. 
to  avoid  ill  appearance  of  sin,'iulavity  on  their  own  parts,  as  far  as  possible, 
the  cMcv  of  M'.e  oflicers  motioned  to  his  comjfrmion,  who.  followiiifi:  liis  exam- 
ple 1'  ;ik  a  ■inall  jiij)!'  r.iid  some  toba^vo  iVom  a  <'onipartnient  in  his  .'-hot 
and  commenced  imtHn'r  tlu'  wrcathiii'j,'  smoke  from  his  li[)S. — an  occu- 
more  than  any  other,  seeminjr  to  jus'.ify  liieii'  silence, 
elder  (dlicir  sal  with  his  1  ack  (o  ilie  window,  and  inunediate'v  in  front 
lire:  111,;  <'imp:>.iiio;v  at  a  cc/VTier  of  the  riale  hearth,  and  in  such  a  man- 
nei'  lli:'a,  without  turn:n;>  his  head,  he  could  coniniand  every  part  of  the  room 
at  a  ji^'an  'c.  In  t!ie  corner  f-i'/'ii;!.'  hiin  slooil  the  bi'd  already  ile,;cri'!).'d.  A 
I'aivit  nvv  iii"  litv-liprht  fel'  on  some  minute  object  p'litterin!;'  in  the  ciiair.  the 
contends  of  which  were  hea]K'd  tip  in  disorder.  Ui'uxd  by  that  vrayviard  cu- 
rio.^i(y,  which  is  sometimes  e.-iciied.  even  under  ciicumstances  of  the  greatest 
dan;.;er  inul  othrrwise  ab.>-'orb;n!r  inl..rest  the  youiev  niau  liicked  the  hickory 
lo,e,'  that  lay  neare,>i  to  i;  with  iris  mocas-^ineii  fi)iii.,  and  ]iroiluced  a  bri;j,'ht 
crackliii;j;  ilame,  the  reliectiou  of  which  was  thrown  entiiely  upon  the  object 
of  h's  ira/.e :  it  was  a  larjie  metal  button,  on  which  the  junniier  of  his  regi- 
ment was  distinct'v  visible,     ruable  to  cheek  his  desire  to  know  further,  ho 


|)OUcl;, 
pat  ion 

of  rl^e 


72 


W  A  <;  U  U  S  T  A 


O  R 


THE     H  R  O  P  II  K  C  Y  . 


left  his  seat,  to  cxiuniiu'  tljc  contents  of  the  chair.  Aa  ho  moved  (urnss  the 
room,  lie  limcied  he  heard  a  hjrlit  sound  from  without ;  his  eoini)anion.  also, 
seemed  to  manifest  a  similar  impression  I)y  an  almost  imperceptilile  start ;  hut 
the  noise  was  so  momentary,  an<l  so  fanciful,  neither  felt  it  wortli  his  while  to 
pause  upon  the  circumstance.  Tiie  younu;  officer  now  raisoii  the  j^arinents 
from  the  chair:  tliey  consisted  of  a  small  grey  great-coat,  and  tiov.sci-s.  a 
waistcoat  of  coarse  white  cloth,  a  j)air  of  worsted  stockings,  ami  the  half- 
hoots  of  a  hoy;  the  whole  formiu',;-  tlie  (h'um-lioy's  e(]nij)nu'nt  wonv  hy  thu 
wretclicd  wife  of  Ilalloway  when  honi"'  sciisv'U'js  into  the  liut  mi  (hat  lh(al 
morning.  Hastily  <|uittiiig  a  drvss  that  called  up  so  many  drcailfiil  vi.collec- 
tion.s,  and  turning  to  his  comicinion  with  a  joolc  that  denoted  apid'chension, 
lest  he  too  shoulil  liave  lielield  tiiesc  mclanclioly  rememhrancL's  of  tlu'  Jiiirvow- 
ing  .scene,  the  young  ntliccr  hastened  to  resume  his  seat,  in  the  !ict  of  so  dititig. 
his  eye  fell  upon  the  window,  at  which  the  female  still  )iu;!;eved.  Kiv'  a 
hiast  from  hea\en  struck  his  sight,  the  terror  of  his  soul  could  iint  Innc-  ■«•«» 
greater.  lie  felt  his  clicck  to  jiale.  and  his  hail-  to  bristle  lunc'ilh  his  <i)[», 
while  the  checked  lilood  crept  slowly  and  coldly,  as  if  its  very  fuiftion  ii,nJ 
been  i>araly.<ed  ;  still  he  had  presence  of  mind  suflicient  not  to  falter  \u  lii,s 
step,  or  to  hetray.  hy  an  extraordinary  movement,  that  his  eye  had  roted  on 
anything  hateful  to  heliold. 

Tlis  com[)anion  ha'l  emptied  his  first  jiipe.  and  was  in  the  act  of  rc-lininpr 
it,  when  he  resumed  his  .seat,  lie  was  evidently  impatient  at  the  delay  of  the 
Canadian,  and  already  were  his  lips  ready  to  give  utterance  to  his  disayitofiit- 
ment,  when  he  felt  his  foot  significantly  pressed  hy  that  of  his  frienil.  .Vn 
instinctive  .scn.«e  of  .something  fearful  that  was  to  ensue,  hut  still  deniaudinp 
caution  on  his  jiart.  prevented  him  from  turning  hastily  round  to  know  the 
cause.  Satisfietl.  however,  there  was  danger,  though  not  of  an  instantanccnw 
character,  he  jtut  his  pipe  gf.'ntly  hy,  and  stealing  his  hand  under  his  <  oat. 
again  grasjjcd  the  hilt  of  his  dagfj-er.  At  length  he  slowly  and  purtially 
turned  his  head,  while  his  eyes  entiuiringly  demanded  of  his  i'liend  the  cause 
of  this  alarm.  Partly  to  ai<l  in  concealing  his  increasing  paleness,  and  i>artly 
with  a  view  to  render  it  a  medium  for  the  conveyance  of  subdueil  soiutd,  the 
hand  of  the  latter  was  rai.sed  to  his  face  in  such  a  manner  that  the  motion  of 
his  lips  could  not  he  distinguished  from  behind. 

"We  are  betrayed,"  he  .scarcely  breathed.  "If  you  can  conunand  your- 
self, turn  and  look  at  the  window  ;  but  for  (Jod's  sake  arm  joursell"  with 
resolution,  or  look  not  at  all :  llrst  draw  the  hood  over  your  head,  and 
without  any  ajjpearance  of  design.  ( Hir  only  clcance  of  safety  lies  in  this, 
— that  the  Canadian  mav  still  l)e  true,  and  that  our  disguise  niav  not  he  pene- 
trated." 

In  dejipite  of  his  native  courage. — and  this  had  often  been  put  to  hoii'M-ahle 
proof, — he.  thus  mysteriously  aihlres.sed,  felt  his  heart  to  throb  vitilently. 
There  was  something  ,so  ap])alled  in  the  countenance  of  his  friend — .<on(et!un» 
so  alarming  in  the  very  caution  he  had  recommended — that  a  vag\ie  dread  of 
the  horrible  reality  rushed  at  once  to  his  mind,  and  for  a  nion\enf  hi,>  own 
cheek  became  ashy  pale,  inid  iiis  Itreat'aing  ])ainl'ully  oppre.-sed.  It  was  the 
natural  weakness  of  the  physical  man.  over  which  the  moral  facultie.-;,  luuJ. 
for  an  'nstant,  lost  their  directing  jiowor.  Speedily  ix'covcviug  liiiuself.  the 
young  man  prepared  to  encouutei-  the  alarming  object  whirli  had  .nln!a<(y  ,so 
greatly  intin\idated  his  friend.  Carefully  drawing  the  bhndvct  hood  over  lii.s 
head,  he  rose  from  his  .^eal.  I'lid.  wiih  the  energetic  movement  of  (me  who  has 
formed  some  d^'spcrate  di'iei'iuiualion,  turned  his  liack  to  the  fire-place,  and 
threw  his  eyes  ra])idly  iind  eagei'ly  upon  the  window.  They  fell  only  on  the 
rude  patchwork  of  which  it  was  principally  comjjo.sed.  Tlie  female  had  (luitted 
the  room. 

'•  You  must  have  been  deceived."  he  whispered,  keeping  his  eye  still  bent 
upon  the  window,  and  with  so  imperceptible  a  movement  of  the  lips  that 


W  A  C  (I  U  S   i'  A 


O  K 


THE     PROPHECY. 


73 


sound  alone  could  hiivc  bftnncil  tlmt  he  was  si)eakinj>', —  'T  see  nothing  to 
justify  your  alarm.     Look  aj^ain." 

The  yoiuigiT  ollicer  once  more  directed  his  glance  towards  the  window, 
and  with  a  shuddcrinji;  of  the  whole  ))i'rson,  as  he  recollected  what  had  met 
his  eye  when  he  last  looked  upon  it.  "  It  is  no  longer  there,  indeed,"  he 
returned  in  the  same  scarcely  audible  tone.  "  Vet  I  could  not  be  mistaken  ; 
it  was  between  those  two  cornci'  sr[uares  of  wood  in  the  lower  sash." 

'■  Perhaps  it  was  merely  a  reliiciion  produced  by  tlie  lamp  on  the  centre 
pane,"  rejoined  his  friend,  still  keeping  his  eye  riveted  on  the  suspicious  point. 
''  Impossible  !  Init  \  will  e.\amine  the  window  from  the  spot  on  which  I  stood 
when  [  lirst  beheld  it," 

Again  he  quitted  his  seat,  and  carelessly  <:rosscd  the  room..  As  he  returned 
he  threw  his  glance  upon  the  pane,  when,  to  his  inlinite  horror  and  surprise, 
the  same  frightful  vision  presented  itself. 

••  God  of  heaven  !"  he  exclaimed  aloud,  and  unable  longer  to  check  the 
ebullition  of  his  feelings, — ''  what  means  this?  Is  my  brain  turned?  and  am 
I  the  sport  of  my  own  delusive  fancy — Do  you  not  see  it  jjojp?" 

No  answer  was  returned.  I  lis  friend  stood  mute  and  motionless,  with  his 
left  hand  grasjiing  his  gun,  and  his  right  thrust  into  the  waist  of  his  coat. 
His  eye  grew  upon  the  window,  and  his  chest  heaved,  and  his  cheek  paled 
and  flushed  tdternately  with  the  subdued  emotion  of  hi.s  heart.  A  human 
face  was  pla<;ed  close  to  the  nnblemi.shed  glass,  and  every  feature  was  dis- 
tinctly revealed  by  the  lamp  that  still  lay  upon  the  table.  The  glaring  eye 
was  fixed  on  the  ( alier  of  the  officers ;  but  though  the  expression  was  un- 
fathomably  guileful,  there  wa.s  nothing  that  denoted  anything  like  a  recogni- 
tion of  the  party.  The  brightness  of  the  wood  fire  had  so  far  subsided  as  to 
throw  the  interior  of  the  room  into  partial  obscurity,  and  under  the  disguise 
of  his  hood  it  was  impo.ssible  for  one  without  to  distinguish  the  features  of 
the  taller  officer.  The  younger,  who  was  scarcely  an  object  of  attention, 
passed  comparatively  unnoticed. 

Fatigued  and  dinined  with  the  long  and  eager  tension  of  its  nerves,  the  eye 
of  the  latter  now  began  to  fail  him.  For  a  moment  he  closed  it ;  and  when 
again  it  fell  upon  the  window,  it  encountered  nothing  but  the  clear  and  glit- 
tering pane.  For  upwards  of  a  minute  he  and  his  friend  still  continued  to 
rivet  their  gaze,  but  the  face  was  no  longer  visible. 

Why  is  it  that  what  is  called  the  "  human  fii€e  divine,"  is  sometimes  gifted 
with  a  power  to  paralyse,  that  the  most  loathsome  reptile  in  the  creation  can- 
not attain  ?  Had  a  cougar  of  the  American  forest,  roaring  for  prey,  appeared 
at  the  window,  ready  to  burst  the  fragile  barrier,  and  fasten  its  talons  in  their 
hearts,  its  presence  would  not  have  struck  such  sickness  to  the  souls  of  our 
adventurers  as  did  that  human  face.  It  is,  that  man,  naturally  fierce  and  in- 
exorable, is  alone  the  enemy  of  his  own  species.  The  solution  of  this  pro- 
blem— this  glorious  paradox  in  nature,  we  leave  to  profoiinder  philosophers 
to  resolve.     Sufficient  for  us  be  it  to  know  and  to  deplore  that  it  is  so. 

Footsteps  were  now  heard  upon  the  stairs ;  and  the  officers,  aroused  to  a 
full  sense  of  their  danger,  hastily  and  silc^ntly  prepared  themselves  foi-  the  en- 
counter. '"  Drop  a  biillet  into  your  gun,"  whispered  the  elder,  setting  the  ex- 
ample himself.  "  We  may  be  obliged  to  have  recoiuse  to  it  at  last.  Yet 
make  no  show  of  hostility  inilcss  circumstances  satisfy  us  we  are  betrayed ; 
then,  in<leed,  all  that  remains  for  us  will  be  to  .sell  our  lives  as  dearly  ivs  we 
can.     Hist !  he  is  here." 

The  door  opened  !  and  at  the  entrance,  which  was  already  filled  up  in  the 
imaginations  of  the  young  nien  with  a  terrible  and  alarming  figure,  appeared 
one  whose  return  had  been  anxiously  :;nd  long  desired,  Tt  was  a  relief,  in- 
deed, to  tlieu'  gallant  but  exciteil  heavts  to  behold  another  than  the  form  they 
had  expe(.-ted;  anil  although,  for  tlu  moment,  they  knew  not  whether  the 
Canadian  came  in  hostility  or  frieiuiship.  each  quitted  the  attitude  of  caution 
into  which  he  had  thrown  iiiinself,  and  met  him  midway  in  his  passage  through 


7'1 


\S    A»(,   l>  V 


o  i: 


■1"  V.  i:    y  i\  .1  1'  !i 


tlio  r  (1111.  TlieiT  WHS  nolhinji'  in  tlii-  oxpri ssiou  of  lii-  r.:Uiiiall,v  open  ;in'i 
.cood-lnimorcd  couu'.cimriCL'  to  ('c-.iolc  Ik;  was  (it  iiU  awiiri  (<i'  tlic  <'ausL'S  for 
alnni)  that  hnd  opcral  d  so  powoiriilly  iijion  tlienis'lvc,-.  II-  aiiiK'iihci.'il  wuli 
H  fmik  look  and  unralturin^-  voico  ovei'ythiiijj;  was  in  roiiilmt'.;s  lov  llieir  <kv 
partmo. 

9^  (idirt-rs  hesitated;  and  tlie  talk-r  fixed  liis  eyes  upon  tliose  of  uiino 
hoHt,  as  if  his  jraze  would  liave  penetrated  to  llie  innermost  recesses  of  his 
heart.  Could  this  he  a  refinement  of  treaeiKtry  ?  and  wi\s  he  really  ipnoranl 
of  the  existence  of  t'ne  (k»n;;er  whieli  threatened  tlieni?  AVas  it  not  more  pro- 
bable his  object  was  to  disarm  their  fears,  that  thvy  iai;i;ht  be  given  unpre- 
pared and,  therefore,  unresisting  victims  to  tlie  ferocity  of  their  enemies? 
Awai'c  as  he  was,  that  they  were  both  well  provided  with  arms,  and  full)''  de- 
termined to  u.se  tlieni  with  elfect,  mi}j;ht  not  hi,s  aim  l>e  to  decoy  them  to  de- 
struction without,  lest  the  blood  spilt  under  his  rOof,  in  the  desperation  of 
tiieir  defence,  should  hereafter  attest  apainst  him,  and  expose  him  to  the  pun- 
i.shmon*^  he  would  so  richlj-^  merit?  Distracted  by  these  doubts,  the  young, 
men  .scaitely  knew  what  to  think  or  how  to  act ;  and  anxious  as  they  had 
previously  been  to  quit  the  hut,  they  now  considered  the  moment  of  their 
doinp  so  would  he  that  of  tlieir  destruction.  'J'he  impoitance  of  the  entci-prisc 
on  wliich  thej-^  were  embarked  was  such  as  to  sink  all  personal  considerations. 
If  they  hail  felt  the  iuHuencc  of  intimidation  on  their  spirits,  it  arose  less  from 
any  apprehension  of  consequences  to  themselves,  than  IVom  the  recollection  of 
the  dearer  interest.s  involved  in  their  perfect  security  from  discovery. 

"  Francois,"  feelini.dy  lu-ged  tlie  taller  officer,  ag-am  advertinu;  to  liis  vovTj 
•'yon  lecollect  the  oath  you  solemnly  pledged  ujjon  the  cross  of  our  Haviowr. 
Tell  me,  tlien,  as  you  hope  for  mercy,  have  you  taken  that  oath  only  that  you 
might  the  more  securely  betraj-  us  to  our  enemies?  What  connection  have 
you  with  them  at  this  moment?  and  who  is  he  who  stood  looking  through 
that  window  not  ten  minutes  since?" 

"As  1  shall  hope  for  mercy  in  my  God,"  exclaimed  the  Canadian  with  un- 
feigned astonishment,  •'  I  luive  not  ,see  nobody.  But  what  for  do  you  tink  .so  7 
It  is  not  just.     I  have  given  mj-  oat  to  serve  you,  and  I  shall  do  it." 

There  was  candor  both  in  the  tone  and  cou'nlcnauce  of  the  man  as  he  utter- 
ed those  words,  half  in  rcjiroach.  half  in  justification ;  and  the  officers  no 
longer  doubted. 

"  Vou  must  forgive  our  suspicions  at  a  moment  like  the  present,'"  soothmgly 
observed  the  younger;  "•yet,  Franv'ois.  ^our  daughter  sav>-  and  exchanged  sig- 
nals with  the  persou  we  mean.  She.  left  the  room  soon  after  he  made  his  ap-^ 
pearance.     AVhat  has  become  of  her  ?" 

The  Canadian  gave  a  sudden  start,  looked  hiistil.y  around,  and  seemed  to 
perceive  fur  the  first  time  the  girl  was  absejit.  lie  tlien  put  a  finger  to  liis  lip 
to  enjoin  silence,  advanced  in  the  table  and  extinguished  the  liglil.  Desiring 
his  companions,  in  a  low  wliisper,  to  tread  cautiously  and  follow,  he  now  led 
the  wr.y  witli  almost  noiseless  ste))  to  the  entrance  of  tlie  hut.  At  the  thrcsholcf 
of  the  door  were  i)lac..d  a  large  and  well-lillod  sack,  a  light  mast  and  sail,  and 
half  a  dozen  paddles,  '.^li'^  latter  bui'den  he  divided  botvreeu  the  ofliccrs,  on 
whose  shoulders  he  cirefitlly  balaneeil  them.  The  .sack  he  llirew  aciU'iS  hi.s 
own;  and,  witliout  exjiressing  even  a  regret  that  an  opportunity  of  bidding 
adieu  to  Ins  child  was  deniucl  him,  hastily  skirted  the  palmg  of  the  orchard 
until,  ac  t!ie  fiulher  extremity,  he  had  gained  the  high  road.  The  heavens 
were  obscured  by  pa-sing  ciou'ts  driven  rapid!)'  by  the  wind,  (luriu'r  the  short 
pauses  of  which  oui'  adventurers  anxiously  and  frequently  turne<!  to  listen  if 
thej'  were  p;ivsued.  Save  tb.e  rustling  of  the  trees  that  lined  the  I'oad.  and 
the  slight  dashiier  of  the  waters  on  tlie  beach,  however,  no  sound  was  dis- 
tinguishable. At  lenglh  tliey  gained  the  point  wiience  they  were  to  start.  It 
was  the  fatal  b-iidge.  the  events  comiected  with  wl'.ich  were  yet  ,«o  iiainfuily 
fresh  in  their  rccolkrlioii. 

••Stop  ■>;•'  r.iir.ni'  ;  livr;  '"  Arlii.jr/re.'.  ;''..   t';i-iadian.  throwing  his  sack  upon 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A 


OR,     T  II  E     I»  R  0  P  H  K  C  Y . 


76 


illcd  wilii  !!  ...'UlMiiciit  not  imnllied  to  superstitiouw  awe,  fuarcd  to 
'<  rtli  liis  nioii\:ht-<.  ]i:^t  in  so  tloinjj  he  should  invoke  tlvo  preyeucc  of 


thofiiiml  near  Iht  montli  of  tlic  lesser  river;  "my  canoe  is  chain  about  iwenty 
yards  up  de  bridge.  T  sliall  come  to  you  directly."  Then  cantioninji;  the  of- 
ficers to  keep  themselves  coneeiiled  under  the  bridge,  he  moved  hastily  under 
the  arch,  iind  disapi)i';;i\<!  in  Ihe  darlc  shadow  which  it  threw  across  llie  rivulet. 

Tlic  e\treiinties  ol"  i'le  brid;ij  rest'.'d  on  the  banks  of  t)»e  little  river  in  such 
a  manner  as  to  leave  i  narrow  piissaj'e  alon;^  the  sands  innnedlately  inider  the 
declination  of  the  arch.  In  aecordance  with  the  caution  of  their  conductor,  the 
officers  had  pUu'od  thri.sselvi.s  under  it ;  and  with  their  backs  slip;htly  bent 
forward  l<i  meet  tlu;  cnrsatuiv  of  the  bi'idcre,  so  that  no  ray  of  lijiht  eouid  jMisa 
between  thvir  bod'es  an  I  tli"  fabric  itself,  now  awaited  the  arrival  of  tho  vessel 
on  whic!i  tb.'ir  only  aoji;'  dcpvudeu.  We  shall  not  attempt  to  des(Til»c  their 
feeliufss  on  iirdiii;;;  (hi'iiiseivc-  at  that  lone  hour  of  ihe  ni}.',}it,  immediately  un- 
der a  s'  'I  Tendered  fearful)  '  memoj-able  by  the  tra,'j;ic  occurrences  of  the 
mornin;.:.  'i"he  t(;i'rib!(!  ii',n\suii  of  t!ie  fu;iitive,  the  execution  of  the  soldier,  the 
curse  and  ))ropi\ecy  <A'  hi.^  nr-iiiac  wife,  and,  above  all,  the  forcible  abduction 
and  tluea'.ened  esjiousal  of  thiil  unhappy  woman  by  the  formidable  being  who 
■seemed  ti)  have  ideniiiied  liinist'lf  with  the  evils  with  which  they  stood  menaced, 
— all  ruslied  with  nijjid  tracciyon  the  mind,  and  excited  the  iniajiination,  un- 
til each, 
whisper 
those  wiio  had  pj'ineipiilly  floured  in  the  harrowing  and  revoltin.a;  .scene, 

"Did  yuu  not  hvar  a  noi.-e  P  at  len^rili  whispered  the  elder,  as  he  leaned 
himself  forward,  and  bm'  his  head  to  the  sand,  to  catch  more  distinctly  a 
repetition  of  the  soiiiid. 

"  1  did ;  there  a;,;ain  !  it  is  ujKin  the  b]'id;:;e,  and  not  unlike  the  stej)  of  one 
endeavoi'in;;'  to  tread  'ii;]iL!y.     It  may  be  some  wild  beast,  however." 

"  We  nuist  not  b;'  taken  by  surprise."  returned  his  companion.  •'  If  it  ,Se 
a  man,  the  war}'  tre;nl  indifates  consciousness  of  our  presence.  If  an  anima!, 
there  can  be  no  ha'io  in  settinji  our  fears  at  rest."  Cautiously  stealing  from 
his  Inrkinjt-place,  the  yoiuig  olTicer  emciged  into  the  open  sands,  and  in  a 
few  nieastircd  ni>iseless  strides  gained  the  extremity  of  the  bridge.  The  dark 
shadow  of  something  upon  its  centre  caught  hi.s  eye,  and  a  low  sound  like 
that  of  a  dog  lapping  met  his  ear.  While  his  gaze  yet  lingered  on  the  shape- 
less object,  endeavoring  to  give  it  a  character,  the  clouds  whicli  had  .so  long 
ob.scured  it  passed  iiiomentaril;.  from  before  the  moon,  and  disclosed  the  ap- 
palling truth,  it  wa-.  a  wolf-dog  la])ping  up  from  the  earth,  in  which  they 
were  encrusted,  the  blood  and  brains  of  the  unfortunate  Frank  TIalloway. 

Sick  an<l  faint  at  !lie  disgusting  sight,  the  young  man  rested  his  elbow  on 
the  railing  that  )ias.-:od  along  the  edge  of  the  bridge,  and,  leaning  his  head  on 
his  hand  for  a  moment,  foruot  tiie  risk  of  exposure  he  incurred,  in  the  in- 
tensene;-s  of  the  sorrow  thai;  as.sailed  his  s(ni!.  His  heart  and  imagination 
were  already  far  from  the  sjiot  on  vrhich  he  stood,  when  ho  felt  an  iron  hand 
upon  bis  shoulder,  lie  turned,  shuddering  with  an  instinctive  knowledge  of 
his  vet  unseen  visitant,  and  behuM  stautiing  over  him  the  terrible  warrior  of 
the"Fleur<leLis. 

"  ll;i.,  lia,  hit !"  biughed  the  savage,  in  a  low  triumphant  tone,  "the  place  of 
our  meeting  is  wel!  timed,  tiiotigh  somewhat  singular,  it  nuist  be  confe.s.scd. 
Xay."  be  lierccly  adtled,  grasping  as  in  a  vice  the  arm  that  Avas  already  lifted 
to  siiike  biiu,  "  force  mo  not  to  annihilate  you  on  the  spot.  Tla  !  hear  you  the 
cry  iif  my  woli-:l«.g  .'"  ;■.-;  that  animal  now  .set  up  a  low  l)ut  fearful  howl ;  "it 
is  for  yoiic  lilood  he  ask>.  but  yoiu'  hour  is  not  yet  come." 

"  -No.  by  heaven,  it  is  not  ;"  exclaimed  a  voice  ;  a  rafiid  and  T'U.«hing  .sweep 
was  heanl  throngh  the  air  for  an  instant,  ami  tlien  a  report  like  a  stunning 
blow,  '{"lie  wairinr  reki'.sed  his  grasp — placed  his  hand  upon  his  tomahawk, 
but  wi'LhoiU  stren;'.(!i  to  lentove  it  from  liis  belt  tottered  a,  j)ac',.  or  two  back- 
wards— and  then  f..!!.  uttering  aery  of  mingled  pain  and  disappointment,  at 
his  length  upon  tiie  earth.  '•  Qttick,  quick  to  your  cover!"  exclaimed  the 
young  otRcer,  as  a  loud.,-hoiii  \ia,-  now  heard  from  the  forest  in  reply  to  the 


76 


W  A  (;  O  U  H  T  A  ;      OR,     THE      P  R  O  1'  H  K  f  Y  , 


yell  of  the  fallen  warrior.  "  If  Francois  coiul'  not,  wi'  nrv  lost :  llu'  howl  of 
that  wolf-dog  alone  will  betray  us,  even  if  his  master  shoultl  lie  )>i'von<l  all 
chanro  of  recovery." 

"  Desperate  diseases  require  desi)erate  remedies,"  was  the  reply  ;  ••  (liere  is 
little  ^lory  in  destroying  a  helpless  inemy,  hut  the  necessity  is  mp'iit.  and 
we  must  leave  nothing  to  chance."  As  he  spoke,  he  knelt  uiM)n  (lie  huge 
form  of  the  senseless  warrior,  wliosc  scalping  knife  he  drew  from  il.-i  shenth, 
and  striking  a  firm  and  steady  hlow.  (|iiitted  not  the  weapon  until  he  felt  his 
hand  reposing  on  the  chest  of  his  enemy.  The  howl  of  the  wolf-dog.  whose 
eyes  glared  like  two  hnrning  coals  through  the  siuToiinding  gloom,  wiis  now 
exchanged  to  a  licrce  and  snapjiish  hark.  He  made  a  leap  at  the  odici,  r  wiiile 
in  the  iict  of  rising  from  the  liody;  hut  his  fangs  fastened  only  in  tlie  chest 
of  the  shaggy  coat,  which  he  wrung  with  the  strength  and  fury  characteristic 
of  his  peculiar  species.  This  new  and  ferocious  attack  was  fraught  witii  dan- 
ger little  inferior  to  that  which  they  had  Just  escaju'd,  and  lUMpiiiod  the  ut- 
most promptitude  of  action.  The  young  man  seized  the  hnite  hehind  the 
neck  in  a  tirni  and  vigorous  grasp,  while  he  stoojtod  upon  the  motionless  form 
over  which  this  novel  struggle  was  maintained,  and  succeeded  in  niMking  him- 
self once  more  master  of  the  scalping  knife.  Half  choked  hy  the  hand  that 
unHinchingly  grappled  with  him,  the  savage  animal  ([uitted  his  hold  and  stru;;- 
gled  violently  to  free  himself  This  was  the  critical  moment.  The  otiicer 
drew  the  heavy  sharp  blade,  from  the  handle  to  the  ])oint.  across  the  throat 
of  the  infuriated  beast,  with  a  force  that  divided  the  jirincipal  arter>.  He 
made  a  desperate  leap  upwards.  si)outing  his  blood  ovei'  his  destroyer,  and 
then  fell  gasping  acro.ss  thi'  body  of  his  master.  .\  low  growl,  inicrmingled 
with  faint  attempt.s  to  bark,  which  the  rapidly  oozing  life  rendi  more  and 
more  indistinct,  succeeded  ;  and  at  length  nothing  hut  a  gurgling  -ound  was 
distinguishable. 

Meanwhile  the  anxious  and  harjissed  officers  had  regained  their  place  of 
concealment  under  the  bridge,  where  they  listened  with  suppressed  bi'eathing 
for  the  slightest  sound  to  indicate  the  approach  of  the  canoe.  At  intervals 
they  fancied  they  could  hear  a  ncise  resembling  the  rippling  of  watei-  against 
the  prow  of  a  light  vessel,  but  the  swelhng  cries  of  a  band  of  Indians,  becom- 
ing at  every  instant  more  distinct,  were  too  miceasinglj^  kept  up  to  admit  of 
their  judging  with  accuracy. 

They  now  began  to  give  themselves  up  for  lost,  and  many  and  bitter  were 
the  curses  they  inwardly  bestowed  on  the  (*anadian,  when  the  outline  of  a 
human  form  was  seen  advancing  along  the  sands,  and  a  dark  obje(!t  upon  the 
water.  It  was  their  conductor,  dragging  the  canoe  along,  with  all  the  strength 
and  activity  of  which  he  was  capable. 

"  What  the  devil  have  you  been  about  all  this  this  time,  Frauvois  ?"  ex- 
claimed the  taller  officer,  as  he  hounded  to  meet  him.  "  Quick,  quick,  or  we 
shall  be  too  lat«  Hear  you  not  the  blood-hounds  on  their  scent  ?"  Then 
.seizing  the  chain  in  his  hand,  with  a  powerful  elfort  he  sent  the  canoe  flying 
through  the  arch  to  the  very  entrance  of  the  river.  The  burdens  that  had 
been  depo.sited  on  the  sands  were  hastily  flung  in,  the  officers  .stepping  lightly 
after.  The  Canadian  took  the  helm,  directing  the  frail  vessel  almost  noise- 
lessly through  the  water,  and  with  such  velocity,  that  when  the  cry  of  the 
disappointed  savages  was  heard  resomiding  from  the  bridge,  it  had  already 
gained  the  centre  of  the  Detroit. 


CHAPTER  XII. 

Two  days  had  succeeded  the  departure  of  the  officers  from  the  fort,  but 
unproductive  </f  any  event  of  importance.     About  daybreak,  however,  on  the 


wacousta;    ok,   the    prophecv 


77 


morninp;  of  tho  tliird,  tho  Imrasaed  (garrison  were  once  more  Mummonod  to 
arms  by  an  alarm  from  tho  senlinuls  planted  in  rear  of  the  works :  u  body  of 
Indians  tlicy  had  traced  and  lost  at  intervals,  as  they  wound  along  tho  skirt 
of  the  forest,  in  their  progress  from  their  eneampment,  were  at  length  devel- 
oping themselves  in  force  near  the  bomb-proof.  With  a  readiness  which  'ing 
cxperii'iic'J  and  wati'hfulness  ha<l  rendered  in  some  deg.ee  habitual  to  them, 
the  troops  How  to  tiieir  respective  posts ;  while  a  few  of  the  senior  officers, 
among  whom  was  the  (iovernor,  liastened  to  the  ramparts  to  reconnoitre  the 
strength  and  purpose  of  their  enemies.  It  was  evident  that  the  views  of  these 
were  not  immediately  Iiostile ;  for  neither  were  they  in  their  war  paint,  nor 
were  their  arms  of  a  description  to  carry  intimidation  to  a  disciplined  and 
fortified  soldiery.  Jfows,  arrows,  tomahawks,  war  clubs,  spears,  and  scalping 
knives,  constituted  their  warlike  e(iuipments.  but  neither  rifle  nor  fire-arms 
of  any  kind  were  discernible.  Several  of  their  leaders,  distinguishable  bv  a 
certain  haughty  carriage  and  commanding  gesticulation,  were  collected  within 
tho  elevated  bomb-proof,  apparently  holding  a  short  but  important  conference 
ajiurt  from  their  people,  most  of  whom  stood  or  lay  in  picturesque  attitudes 
around  the  ruin.  These  also  had  a  directing  spirit.  A  tall  and  noble  looking 
warrior,  wearing  a  deer  skin  hunting  frock  closely  girded  aroimd  his  loins, 
appeared  to  command  tho  deference  of  his  (lolleagues,  claiming  profound  at- 
tention when  he  spoke  himself  and  manifesting  liis  assent  or  dis.sent  to  the 
apparently  expressed  opinions  of  the  lesser  chiefs  merely  by  a  slight  move- 
ment of  the  liead. 

"  There  he  is  indeed !"  exclaimed  Captain  Erskine,  speaking  as  one  who 
communes  with  his  own  thoughts,  while  he  kept  liis  telescope  levelled  on  the 
form  of  the  last  warrior:  "  looking  just  as  nolole  as  when,  three  years  ago,  ho 
opposed  himself  to  the  pi'ogress  of  the  first  English  detachment  that  had  ever 
{jcnetrated  to  this  part  of  the  world.  What  a  pity  such  a  fine  fellow  should 
1)0  .so  desperate  and  determined  an  enemy  !" 

"  True :  you  were  with  Major  Itogers  on  that  expedition,"  observed  the  go- 
vernor. "  I  have  often  heard  him  speak  of  it.  You  had  nianj^  difficulties  to 
contend  against,  if  I  recollect."  "  We  had  indeed,  sir,"  returned  tho  frank- 
hearted  I'hskine,  dropping  the  glass  from  his  eye.  '•  So  many,  m  fact,  that 
more  than  once,  in  the  course  of  our  progress  througli  the  wilderness,  did  I 
wish  myself  at  head-(|uarlers  with  my  company.  Never  shall  I  forget  the 
proud  and  determined  expression  of  Ponteac's  countenance,  when  lie  told  Ro- 
gers, in  liis  figurative  language,  '  he  stood  in  the  path  in  which  he  travelled.'" 

'•  Thank  heaven,  he  at  least  stands  not  in  the  path  in  which  others  travel," 
musingly  rejoined  the  governor.  •'  But  \vhat  sudden  movement  is  that  with- 
in the  i-uin  ?"    . 

"  The  Indians  are  preparing  to  .show  a  white  flag,"  shouted  an  artillery  man 
from  his  station  in  one  of  the  embrasures  lielow. 

The  governor  and  his  officers  received  this  intelligence  witliout  surprise :  the 
former  took  the  glass  from  Captain  Erskine.  iuid  coolly  raised  it  to  his  eye. 
The  consultation  had  ceased ;  and  the  several  chiefs,  were  now  seen  quittmg 
the  bomb-proof  to  join  their  respectives  tribes.  One  of  those  remained, 
sprang  upon  an  elevated  fragment  of  the  ruin,  and  uttered  a  prolonged  cry, 
the  purjiort  of  which. — and  it  was  fully  understood  from  its  peculiar  nature, 
— was  to  claim  attention  from  the  fort.  He  then  received  from  the  hands  of 
the  other  chief  a  long  sjiear,  to  the  end  of  which  was  attached  a  piece  of  white 
linen.  This  he  waved  several  times  iibove  his  head  ;  then  stuck  the  barb  of 
the  spear  firmly  into  the  projecting;  fragment.  Quitting  his  elevated  station, 
he  next  stood  at  the  side  of  the  Ottawa  cliii'f  who  had  already  assumed  tho 
air  and  altitude  of  one  waiting  to  oyj.serve  in  what  manner  his  signal  would 
be  receiv(.'(i. 

"A  ihig  of  truce  in  all  its  bearings,  bj-  Jupiter!"  remarked  Captain  Erskine. 
••  Pontei  c  seems  to  have  iicquired  a  few  lessons  since  we  first  met." 

"This  is   eviden-'y   tin.-  su;.;:-'e>tiou   of  >i>me  European,"  observed    Major 


78 


\Y 


C  O  1    ,-1  T  \ 


O  K 


r  II  i:    I'  K  i»  !•  ti  i;  c  v 


whil 


;'.', ;.ii.i' ;  •  liir  liow  c'lulil  l/,'  u-c'crstimil  iniylliin^;'  o!'  i 
;  lliii:  /  iSoiir-  oC  iI\('kv  vilo  npw<  Imvi-  imt  iiiin  ii|i  to  thi-. 
I'liii' iii'i^^jrh.  l!lii"l\\vntt'r ;  and  tlity  ii|i]ifiir  to  Imvi^  fomi' 


iiutMri'  of  :i 


an  iiiN;l)i;j;(nt 
|(U|)i!,"  oli.-i'rvwl  ( 'iijituin  WcnUviirtli.  ■•  I  was  ciinous  to  know  liow  ]w  would 
niaki'  !1h'  attonipt  to  appi'OHch  us;  Imt  ciM'tainly  iiuvtT  once  dreamt  ol' liis 
liuvinii  r  ■loiirsi'  to  so  civili/.cd  a  method.  Tlii'ir  jilot  works  well,  no  doubt ; 
still  \.i'  Imvc  (!((■  counter-plot  to  opppose  to  it." 

"  We  must  foil  tlit m  with  th.ii'  own  wcnpon.s,"  remarked  the  fi;ovenior, 
•'  even  if  it  he  only  with  a  view  to  j^ain  time.  Wentworth.  desire  one  of  your 
bomhavdiers  to  hoist  tlu'  Freneh  flau;  on  the  staff."  The  order  was  prom|)tly 
oheyeil.  The  hidians  ma  le  a  simultaneous  movement  exjtrcssive  of  theji'  sa- 
tisfaction ;  and  in  the  course  ot  ii  minute,  tlic  tall  warrior,  accompanied  hy 
te.arly  a  dozi ii  inferior  chiefs,  was  .seen  slowly  iidvancin)!;  across  the  counnjn 
i,o»\ar>is  lite  ni'ou]>  of  otiicers. 

■'  What  'generous  conlidenee  tht;  fellow  has  for  an  Indian  !"  observed  ('iipt:in 
Hrskluo,  vho  could  not  dit^fieniMe  his  admiration  of  the  warrior.  "  He  .steps 
us  iirndy  and  iis  proudly  within  reach  of  our  mn.skcts,  as  if  he  wa.'^  leadinj;  in 
tlie  wav-dince." 

'•  How  s!r„ii;.'c,"  mn,  ed  (\\ptain  Iilc^sin^rfon,  "that  one  who  uicilitatcs  so 
ileep  a  tveaclieiy,  should  have  no  iijjprehension  of  it  in  others  !•' 

"  ft  is  11  compliment  to  the  honor  ol  our  llajj,"  observed  tiie  ;toveruor, 
■'  which  it  must  be  our  interest  to  encourage.  If.  as  yon  say.  Krskine,  the  man 
is  really  endowed  with  generosity,  the  result  of  this  alltiir  will  assuredly  call 
ii  forlh." 

•'  If  it  prove  otherwise,  sir."  was  the  reply,  •'  \*'e  must  only  attribute  his 
persevcnuuc  to  the  inllnunce  which  that  terrible  warrior  of  the  Fleiir  de  Lis 
is  .Slid  to  e\ercise  over  his  better  feelin}rs.  Hy  the  by,  I  see  nothitifi'  of  hina 
amonjv  tliis  )l;i','  of  truce  party.  It  could  .vearcely  be  culled  a  a  iolatioii  of  faith 
to  cut  otr  such  a  rascally  renejraile.  Were  he  of  the  number  of  those  ad- 
vnneiii;.;,  ai;d  \'u(lctovt's  rille  within  my  reach,  I  know  not  what  u.se  I  mi.L^ht 
not  be  l:cmi)ti;il  to  make  of  the  last." 

Poor  JOrsliiiie  \\as  sin<;ulavly  infelicitous  in  touching,  and  ever  unconsciously, 
on  u  sul)Jcct  iiu'e  to  pve  pain  to  move  than  one  of  his  l)rotber  otiicers.  A 
cloud  passed  over  the  brow  of  the  fjjovernov.  but  it  was  one  that  orifriiiated 
mure  in  sorrow  than  in  anjjer.  Neither  hud  he  time  to  lin;!,er  on  the  iiainful 
reeollc.tions  hastily  :ind  confusedly  called  up  by  the  allusion  made  to  this  foi- 
midabk:  and  my.sterious  beins,  for  the  attention  of  all  was  now  absorbed  by 
the  ap;)roachin^^  Indians.  With  a  bold  mid  confidiufij  carriaf2;e  the  fierce  J\>n- 
tcai:  moved  at  the  he'd  of  his  little  party,  nor  liesitated  one  moment  in  his 
course  until  he  fiot  ncHi  the  brink  of  the  ditch,  and  .stood  face  to  face  with  the 
governor,  at  a  distance  Uu.t  gave  both  parties  not  only  the  fkcility  of  tracing 
the  expression  of  each  otJer's  features,  but  of  conversing  without  ctlbrt. 
There  he  made  » .sudden  .sti  nd,  and  thrusting  his  .spear  into  the  earth,  as- 
sumed an  attitude  as  devoid  o'"  apprehension  as  if  he  had  been  hi  the  heart  of 
his  own  encampment. 

■'  Jly  father  has  iinderstooi  i  my  sign,"  said  tVie  haughty  chief.  The  war- 
riors of  a  ilozen  tribes  are  ff.r  beliind  the  path  the  Ottawa  chief  has  just 
travelled  ;  but  when  the  red  skin  conies  unarmed,  the  hand  of  the  Saganaw 
is  tied  behinil  his  back." 

•■  The  strong  hold  of  tb.^  Saganaw  is  hi.s  safeguard,"  replied  the  governor, 
adoptinii  the  language  of  die  f  ndian.  "  When  the  enemies  of  his  great  father 
come  in  strength,  he  knows  how  to  disperse  them  ;  but  when  a  wavrioi'  throws 
himself  unarmed  into  his  jiower,  he  respects  his  conlideni;e,  and  his  arms  hang 
rusting  at  his  siite." 

'■  The  talk  oi'iiiy  liitlier  is  big."  replied  tlie  warrior,  with  a  .scornful  ex])res- 
sion  iiii'.t  seemed  o  e.'Kibl  tiie  I'l.'i:  of  so  miich  indiiicT.iice  ii'-;  lo  himself;  '•but 
when  it  is  a  sn-er.t  i:h:cf  w!.o  dii-i'cts  the  n.Uions,  a!id  rjuit  cliiefliis  sworn  uue- 


III 


•.'•'tlie  tempt;', tirjH  ■(;  the  Sn 


i:'.iiuv.-  ni'iv 


V.esi' 


on 'J'. 


w 


AonitHTA;    iiR,    tKV    PHttPHifVt 


■•Till'  Si\Kni\uv»  i>i  wilUinu  iVni,  Hiiplii\tii'i»ll\  n'.joiii((i  thv>  (m^wwt  i  "he 
Ih  stntK;^  In  uirf  own  Iwitoi-  \  luul  \\y  would  rutUiT  die  mulor  Ou'  t^m^iltmw  k  of 
tlif  red  skin  i\\.\\\  MwWW  rt  |H<«('t>  1»>  n\>  aot  «f  1rf?t'^cr)  '* 

TIk>  \\v\\:\\\  \\ii\\A\\\\  vviM.  mlm  hiwK^  i*t'  H^t.Hi^^* iik-«  pivnwd  \n>Uvw>\\  him 
and  lilt  rollawors",  ulld  a  few  indi^'in*  I  und  niiitund  m'(iU'\\yM!..  wmc  txcliungKtl 
aiiMmn  tU(H\*lviiti. 

"  hill  our  tiithov  anka  n«)t  w|\y  nm'  \«uo«^'iiiinM  Jmvc  hni^Wil  <lu  .1.  »  fVom 
off  llu'coiuimiu  "  I'wunu'il Uuu'huC ,  \\m  >i't  it  U  \<.\m  "iun'  lin  Sa^tiumw  »\\<4 
the  rod  skin  hii\i'  slioken  to  Oi\i'l»  other,  t  \<H'|it  lluouuh  lUo  S\«r  >»)>o»<i(  My 
father  nuist  wonder  to  see  the  givut  ehiet'of  tlie  tKtivwiiM  ^\ll|uuil  tliu  hatchet 
in  his  Imud.'' 

•'  The  hatchi't  olten  wouitds  thonu  who  <«mi>  It  \|»Hklll\>Uy,"  vHmJv  >rtuv\lt!ll 
the  Kovirnor.  "The  S«ui\niVw  w  udl  \<,){ml  '|'he  Httrt\\«j  \UvV  t^"'  other 
IiUk-1  \\\\\\  t\»e  wuv  \\i\'\\\{  Tu>»v\  >n\  their  skins,  '\%  S  si e  \\\<\\  \\\\  \  \\\n\^  men 
are  not  lo  lie  eounuereil,  iiud  tliey  hiue  sent  the  gHAt  head  of  all  Ihe  nations 
to  sue  for  peace." 

In  spite  dC  the  hfthitiuvl  reserve  and  self-possession  of  his  race,  the  liaunhty 
warrior  could  not  rimess  a  niovement  of  impatience  at  tlic  bold  and  tainiting 
lau}>uase  of  1\is  etVAuV,  and  for  a  moment  there  was  a  lire  in  his  eye  that  told 
how  williuidy  he  would  have  washed  away  the  insult  inliis  blood.  The  same 
low  nullural  e.\c!an»utions  that  jireviously  escaped  their  lips,  marked  the  sense 
entertained  of  the  iriiiaik  1>3'  Ins  conijianions. 

"  My  father  is  rij^lit,"  pursued  the  cliiel"  resuming  his  self-command  ;  '"tho 
Ottawas  and  the  other  tribes  ask  f  )r  peace,  but  not  because  they  are  afraid 
of  war.  When  they  strike  the  hntchet  into  the  war  i)ost,  they  leave  it  there 
until  their  enemies  ask  them  to  take  it  out." 

'•Why  come  they  now.  then,  to  ask  for  peace?"  was  the  coo!  demand. 
The  warrior  hesitated,  evidently  at  a  loss  to  u'ive  a,  rejjly  that  could  reconcile 
the  palpable  contradiction  of  his  words.  "  The  rich  furs  of  oiu'  forests  have 
become  many,"  he  at  length  observed,  "  since  we  first  took  up  the  hatchet 
against  the  Saganaw  ;  and  every  bullet  we  keep  for  our  enemies  is  a  loss  to 
our  trade.  We  ouc(^  exchanged  furs  with  the  children  of  our  fatlier  of  the 
pale  Hag.  They  gave  us,  in  return,  guns,  blankets,  powder,  ball,  and  all 
that  the  red  man  reiiuires'in  the  hunting  season.  I'hesc  are  all  expended; 
and  mv  youiej  men  would  deal  with  the  Saganaw  as  they  did  with  the 
Fren(;h"." 

"  (iood ;  the  red  skins  would  make  peace ;  and  although  the  arm  of  the 
Sagan  iw  is  strong,  he  will  not  turn  a  deaf  ear  to  their  desire." 

•'All  the  strongholds  of  the  Saganaw,  except  two,  have  fallen  before  the 
great  chief  of  the  Ottawas !"  proudly  returned  the  Indian,  with  a  look  of 
mingled  .scorn  and  defiance.  "  They,  too,  thought  themselves  beyond  the 
reach  of  otu-  tomahawdis  ;  thej'  were  deceived.  In  less  than  a  single  moon 
nine  of  them  have  fallen,  and  the  tents  of  my  yotuig  warrioi's  .are  darkened 
with  their  scalj)s;  but  this  is  pa-;l.  If  the  led  skin  asks  for  peace,  it  is  be- 
cause he  is  tired  of  seeing  the  blood  of  the  Saganaw  on  his  tomahawk.  Does 
my  father  hear  ?" 

"We  will  listen  to  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and  hear  what  he  hits  to 
say,"  returned  the  governor,  who,  as  well  as  the  oilieers  at  his  side,  could  with 
ditiiculty  conceal  their  disgust  and  sorrow  at  the  dreadful  intelligence  thus 
imparted  of  the  fates  of  their  companions.  "'  Ihit  peace,"  he  pursued  with 
dignity,  "'  can  only  be  made  in  the  council-room,  and  under  the  .sacred  pledge 
of  the  calumet.  The  great  chief  has  a  wampiuu  belt  on  his  .shoidiler,  and  a 
calumet  in  his  hand.  His  aged  warriors,  too,  are  at  his  side.  What  s;vys  the 
Ottawa?  Will  he  enter?  \t'  so,  the  gate  of  the  Saganaw  shall  be  ojien  to 
hnn."  The  warrior  started  ;  and  for  a  moment  the  confidence  that  had  hith- 
erto distingui.shed  him  .seemed  to  give  pl:ice  to  an  apprehension  of  meditated 
treachery.  lie,  however,  speedilj'  recovered  himself,  .".nd  observed  emphati- 
caily,  "  it  is  the  great  head  of  all  the  nations  wliom  my  father  invites  to  the 


80 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      OK,     T  HE      I'  R  <)  1'  H  E  C  Y 


council  seat.  Were  lie  to  remain  in  (lie  hands  of  the  ,Sat>,anu\v.  his  young 
men  wouM  lose  their  streni^th.  They  would  ])ury  the  half  hit  lor  ever  in 
despair,  and  hide  their  faces  in  the  lajis  of  their  women." 

••  Does  the  Ottawa  ehii'fsee  the  ))ale  tlajr  i  ii  the  stronghold  of  his  enemies? 
While  tliat  coiitiniies  to  lly  he  is  sale  as  if  he  were  under  the  cover  of  his 
own  wigwam.  If  the  Sa.i^anaw  could  use  guile  like  the  fox.  (ixw]  this  wa.s 
said  with  niarke(l  emphasis.)  what  should  prevent  him  from  cuftin.ij,'  otl'  the 
Ottawa  and  his  eliiefs,  even  where  they  now  stand  ?''  A  half  smile  of  derision 
passed  over  the  dark  cheek  of  the  Indian.  "If  the  arm  of  tiie  OUawa  i.s 
strouir."  he  said.  '•  his  foot  i-;  'lot  less  swift.  The  short  jruns  of  tlie  chiefs  of 
the  Siiufranaw  (jiuintin;;-  U  the  pistoh  of  the  oliieers)  could  not  reach  us; 
and  liufure  the  voice  ^)f  our  falher  couM  he  raised,  or  his  eye  turned,  lo  call 
]iis  warrioi's  to  his  side,  the  Ottawa  would  he  alreadv  far  on  liis  way  to  the 
foi'est." 

'■  The  p'eai  chief  of  tlie  Oltawas  shall  judp,e  hctter  of  the  Sapanav.."  re- 
turned the  inovernor.  "  Ih;  shall  see  that  liis  youn^-  men  are  ever  watchful  at 
their  jiosts: — ("'p.  men,  and  show  yourselves."'  A  second  or  two  suiticed  to 
^irin^i  the  wliole  of  ('a]it;iin  ['..skine's  eom]iany.  who  had  heen  lyiujr  (tat  on 
their  faces,  to  their  ie't  on  tlie  ranijiart.  1'he  Indians  were  evidently  taki'n 
Ly  surprise,  lhuii;;h  they  evinced  no  fear,  'i'lie  low  and  ji',iitlural  "iiiih!" 
was  the  only  expressidu  they  irave  to  their  astonishment,  iiot  unmin^nled  with 
admiration. 

IJut.  alt!iou!:h  the  chiefs  preserved  their  pri'sence  (if  mind,  the  sudden  aji- 
pearance  of  the  soldiers  had  excited  alarm  aniontj  tlieir  warriors,  who.  ^'louited 
in  and  ai'ound  the  honili-prDof,  were  watchini;'  every  movement  of  the  confer- 
ring; parlies,  with  an  iiiteiest  ju'oportioiied  to  tlie  ri.^-k  they  conceived  their 
head  men  had  incui'red  in  ventui'in,!i'  under  the  very  walls  of  their  enemies. 
Fierce  yells  were  uttered ;  and  yiore  tlian  a  hundnd  dusky  warriors,  hrand- 
isliint!:  their  tomahawks  in  air.  leaped  alonu'  the  skirt  of  the  common,  evidently 
only  av.ailiii^i-  the  sijiua!  of  tlioir  iireat  chief  to  advance  and  cover  his  retreat. 
At  the  command  of  the  poveiiioi'.  however,  the  men  had  ajiain  suddenly  di.s- 
appeared  from  the  surface  of  the  ranijiart ;  .<o  that  when  the  Indians  linally 
jiei'ceived  their  leadei'  stood  unharmed  and  unmolested,  on  the  sjiot  he  had 
jn'eviously  occnjiii'd,  the  excitement  died  away,  and  they  once  more  a.ssumed 
their  attitude  of  jiroforad  attention. 

••  What  think;  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  now  7"  asked  the  j^overuor; — 
did  he  ima;:ine  that  the  younjj;  white  men  lie  sleef  iii.i^'  like  heavers  in  tl/eir 
dams,  w-ien  the  hunter  sets  his  trajis  to  catch  them? — did  he  imapine  that 
they  foresee  Mot  the  desig;ns  of  their  enemies  ?  and  that  they  are  not  always 
on  t'.e  watch  to  prevent  them?" 

'•  Jly  father  is  a  great  warrior."  returned  the  Indian  ;  "  and  if  his  arm  is 
full  of'strenirth.  his  head  is  full  of  wisdom.  The  chiefs  will  no  lonper  hesitate; 
— they  will  entei'  the  stronghold  of  the  Saganaw.  and  sit  with  him  in  the 
council."  lie  next  nddres.sed  a  few  words,  and  in  a  language  not  understood 
hy  ihose  unon  the  walls,  to  one  of  the  younger  of  the  Indians.  The  hitter  ,'ic- 
knowledged  his  sense  and  approhation  of  what  was  said  to  hini  hy  an  assen- 
tient  and  expressive  "  ugh  !"  which  came  from  his  chest  without  any  ap])arent 
motion  of  tlie  lijis.  much  in  the  manner  of  a  modern  ventriloipiist.  Jle  then 
liastened.  with  rapid  and  lengthened  houndings,  across  the  common  towards 
his  hand,  After  the  lapse  of  a  minute  or  two  from  reaching  them,  another 
simultaneous  try  arose,  dilt'ering  i!i  expression  from  any  that  had  liitherto 
lieen  heard.  It  was  one  denoting  siihmissiou  t ,.  the  will,  and  coniiiliaiice  with 
sjouK'  conveyed  desire,  of  their  sujierior. 

"  Is  the  gate  of  the  Saganaw  open?"  asked  the  latter,  as  soon  as  his  ear  had 
been  greeted  with  the  ci'y  we  have  just  nauivd.  •'The  Ottawa  .ind  tlie  other 
jrreal  chiefs  are  ready  ; — their  hearts  are  hold,  and  they  throw  tlieinsc'i\es  into 
the  hands  of  the  Saganaw  without  fear." 

'■'The  Ottawa  chief  knows  the  jialli,"  drily  rejoined  the  govenioi' :  "when 


\\  A  L'  ()  i;  S  T  A 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY, 


81 


he  comes  in  peace,  it  is  ever  ojjeii  to  him  ;  hut  when  liis  young  men  press  it 
with  the  toniahnwk  in  their  hands,  the  hip;  thunder  is  roused  to  anger,  and 
ihey  are  scattejLil  away  hke  the  k'aves  of  the  forest  in  the  storm.  Even  now," 
he  pur.sued,  as  the  httle  band  of  Inchans  moved  sh)wiy  round  the  walls,  "the 
gate  of  the  Saganaw  opens  for  tlie  Ottawa  and  tlie  other  chiefs." 

"Let  the  most  vigihint  caution  he  used  ('veiywherc  along  the  works,  l)ut 
especially  in  tjie  rear,"  contiuned  the  governoi',  addres-ing  C'a])tain  l»lessing- 
ton,  on  whom  tlie  duly  of  the  day  had  devolved.  "  We  are  safe,  while  their 
cliiefs  are  with  us  ;  l)ut  still  it  will  he  necessary  to  watch  the  forest  closely. 
AVe  cannot  he  too  uuicli  on  our  guard.  Tlie  men  ha<l  better  remain  concealed, 
every  twentieth  tile  only  standing  up  to  form  ii  look-out  chain.  If  any  move- 
ment of  a  susi)icious  nature  he  (ibstrvcd,  let  it  be  communicateil  by  the  dis- 
charge of  a  single  miislcit,  thiit  (he  drawbridge  maybe  raised  on  the  instant." 
Witli  the  delivery  of  these  brief  instructions  he  quitted  the  rampart  with  the 
majority  of  his  otticers.  ^Icanwhile,  hasty  prejtarations  liad  been  made  in  the 
mess-room  to  receive  the  chief-.  'Vh'i  t  !es  had  been  removed,  ard  a  number 
of  clean  rush  mats,  luanufai'tured  after  the  Indian  manner,  into  various  figures 
;ind  devices,  sjircad  <  invliilly  on  the  <loor.  At  the  further  end  from  the  en- 
trance was  placed  a  siiiidl  table  and  chair,  covered  with  scarlet  cloth.  This 
was  considerably  elevated  above  the  surface  of  (he  lloor,  an:  ;•  tended  for  the 
governor.  On  either  side  of  the  room  near  these,  were  ranged  a  number  of 
chaus  for  the  accommodation  of  the  inferior  oHicers. 

Major  Blackwater  received  the  chiefs  at  the  gate.  With  a  firm,  proud  step, 
rendered  more  conlident  by  his  very  un^villingness  to  betray  anything  like 
(ear.  the  tall,  and,  as  C-iptiiin  lliskiiie  had  justly  ilesignated  him.  the  noble- 
looking  I'onteac  trod  the  yielding  planks  that  might  in  the  next  moment  cut 
liini  off  from  his  peoi)le  for  ever.  T'he  other  chiefs,  following  thee  xampic  of 
their  leader,  evinced  the  same  easy  feailessness  of  dem'anor,  nor  glanced  once 
behind  them  to  see  if  there  was  anything  to  justify  the  apprehension  of  hidden 
danger. 

The  Ottawa  ^\as  evidently  mortified  at  not  being  received  by  the  governor 
in  ])erson.  "  My  father  is  not  here  !"  he  said  fiercely  to  the  major  : — "  how  is 
ilii.,  ?  Tlie  Ottawa  ami  the  other  chief  are  kings  of  all  their  ti'iljcs.  The  head 
of  one  great  people  should  be  received  only  by  the  head  of  another  great 
]ieo])le  !" 

"Our  father  sits  in  the  council-hall."  returne<l  the  major.  "  lie  has  taken 
his  seat  that  lie  may  receive  the  warriors  with  becoming  honor.  Ihit  1  am 
the  second  chief,  and  our  father  lias  sent  me  to  receive  them."  To  the  proud 
spirit  of  the  Indian  this  explanation  scanx'ly  sufficed.  For  a  moment  he  seemed 
to  struggle,  as  endeavoring  to  stifle  his  Iceen  sense  of  iin  affront  put  upi^n  him. 
At  length  he  nodded  his  head  haughtily  and  condescendingly,  in  token  of  as.sent ; 
and  gathering  up  his  noble  form,  and  swelling  out  his  cliest,  as  with  a  view  to 
strike  terror  as  well  as  admiiatioii  into  the  hearts  of  tho.se  by  whom  he  ex- 
])ectcd  to  be  surrounded,  stalked  majestically  forward  at  the  head  of  his  con- 
iederates. 

An  indifferent  observer,  or  one  ignorant  of  these  people,  would  have  been 
at  fault ;  but  thi\«e  who  iniderstood  the  workings  of  an  Indian's  .spirit  could 
not  have  been  deceived  by  the  tiMiKpiil  exterior  of  these  men.  The  rapid,  keen, 
and  lively  glance — the  supprcss(  d  sneer  of  exultation — the  half  start  of  sur- 
jirise— the  low,  guttcral.  and  almost  inaudible  "ugh!" — all  these  indicated 
the  eagerness  with  M-hich.  at  one  sly  Imt  compendious  view,  ihe^'  embraced 
the  whole  interior  of  a  fort,  which  it  was  of  such  vital  im])ortance  to  their  future 
interests  the\-  should  become  jiossessed  of  yet  which  they  had  so  long  and  .so 
imsuccessfully  atteni))ted  to  subdue.  As  they  advanced  into  the  square,  tliey 
looked  around,  expecting  to  behold  the  full  array  of  their  enemies;  Imt,  to 
their  atonishment,  not  a  soldier  was  to  ))e  seen.  A  ihw  women  and  children 
only,  in  whom  cui'iosity  hail  overcome  a  natural  loathing  and  repugnance  to 
the  sav. ,ges,  were  peeping  (roiu  ihc  windows  of  the  block-houses.     Kven  at  a 


83 


waoovsta;    or,    the    prophecy. 


momfiot  like  the  prcf^cnt,  the  fierce  instinct  of  these  latter  was  not  to  be  con- 
trolled. One  of  the  children,  terrified  at  the  wild  appearance  of  the  warriors, 
screamed  violently,  and  eluu";  to  the  bosom  of  its  mother  for  protection.  Fired 
at  the  sound,  a  young  chief  raised  his  hand  to  his  lips,  and  was  about  to  peal 
forth  his  terrible  war  whoop  in  the  centre  of  the  fort,  when  the  eye  of  the 
Ottawa  suddenly  arrested  liiui. 


CHAPTER  XTIT. 


f 


'■i 


There  were  fnv  forms  of  courtesy  observed  ])y  the  warriors  towards  the 
English  officers  on  entering  the  council  i-ooni.  Pont(!ac,  who  had  collected  all 
his  native  haughtiness  into  one  pi'oiid  ex|>i-ossion  of  look  and  figure,  strode  iu 
without  taking  the  slightest  notice  even  of  the  governor.  The  other  chiefs 
imitated  his  example,  and  all  took  thoir  seats  iipon  the  niJitting  in  the  order  pre- 
scrilxid  by  their  rank  iimong  the  tribes,  anfl  their  experience  in  council.  The 
Ottawa  chief  sat  at  the  near  extremity  of  ilie  room,  iiud  immediately  facing 
the  governor.  A  profound  siiince  was  observed  tor  soiui."  minutes  after  the 
Indians  had  seated  themselves,  during  wiiich  they  pvoec  'ed  to  fill  their  pipes. 
The  handle  of  that  of  tlje  Ottawa  chief  was  decorated  with  r.mnerous  feathers 
fancifidly  disi)osed. 

"  This  is  well."  at  loiigth.  oiiservcd  the  governor.  "  It  is  long  since  the  great 
chiefs  of  the  nations  have  smoked  the  sweet  grass  in  the  cotmcil-liall  of  the 
Saganaw.  What  have  they  to  say.  tluU  their  young  men  may  have  peace  to 
hunt  the  biaver.  and  to  leave  the  print  of  their  mocassins  in  the  cou;  ry  of 
the  buttido  I     What  says  the  ( (ttawa  ehiei' ? •' 

"The  Ottawa  chief  is  a  great  warrior."  rettu-ned  the  other,  haughtily;  and 
again  repudiating,  in  the  indomitableness  of  jiis  jiride.  the  very  views  that  a 
more  artful  policy  liad  first  led  him  to  avow.  "'  lie  has  already  said  that, 
within  a  single  moon,  nine  of  the  strongholds  of  the  Sagan.iw  h.ive  fallen  into 
his  hands,  and  that  the  scalps  of  the  white  men  till  the  ter'.s  of  his  warriors. 
If  the  red  skms  wish  for  j^eace,  it  is  because  they  are  sick  with  spilling  the 
blood  of  their  enemies.     Does  my  lather  hear  ?" 

"  The  Ottawa  has  been  cunning  like  the  fox,"  candy  returned  the  governor. 
"  He  went  with  deceit  on  his  lips,  and  said  to  the  great  chiefs  of  the  strong- 
holds of  the  Saganaw, — •  You  have  no  more  forts  n])on  the  lakes ;  they  have 
all  fallen  before  the  red  skins :  they  gave  tlicmselves  into  our  bands ;  and  we 
spared  their  lives,  and  .sent  them  ('own  to  the  great  towns  near  the  salt  lake.' 
But  this  was  false :  tlie  chiefs  of  tlu^  Saganaw  s  believing  what  wiis  said  to 
them,  gjive  up  their  scrong  holds ;  but  tlieir  lives  were  not  spared,  and  the 
gra.ss  of  the  Canadas  is  yet  moi.st  with  their  blood.     Does  the  Ottawa  hear  1" 

Amazement  and  stupefaction  .sat  for  a  moment  on  the  features  of  the  Indi- 
ans. The  fact  was  as  had  been  stat<d  ;  and  yet.  so  completely  had  the  .several 
forts  been  tut  off  from  all  eoniaiunieytion.  it  was  deemed  almost  impossible 
one  could  have  received  tidings  of  the  fate  t)f  the  other,  unless  conveyed 
through  the  Indians  themselves. 

"  The  spies  of  the  S;igana\\-  have  been  very  (|uiek  to  escape  the  vigilance  of 
the  red  skins,"  at  length  replied  the  Ottawa;  "yet  they  ha\  u  returned  v>'ith 
a  lie  upon  their  lips.  I  swear  by  the  Oreat  Spirit,  that  nine  of  the  strong- 
holds of  the  .Saganaw  have  been  destroyed.  How  could  the  Ottawa  go  with 
deceit  upon  his  lips,  when  his  words  wej'C  truth  ?" 

•'When  the  red  skins  .said  so  to  tlie  warriors  of  the  last  forts  they  took, 
they  said  true  ;  but  \iheu  they  went  to  the  lirsi.  i>ud  said  that  all  the  rest  liau 
fallen,  they  tised  deceit.  A  gnat  nation  sliould  oveiconie  their  enemies  like 
warriors,  and  not  seek  to  tieguile  them  with  their  tongues  under  the  edge  of 
the  scalping  knife ! " 


w 


A  C  O  I  S  T  A  ;      OK,      r  II  K      PROPHECY, 


SS- 


'■  Wl»y  did  the  Siigiiuaw  come  into  tKi- cotnitry  of  the  red  skins?"  haughtily? 
deiiiiindc'd  tlic  chiet'.  ''  Why  did  (hey  take  our  hiiiitin{>'  grounds  from  us? 
Why  have  they  stroup;  phiees  encirelinfr  the  country  of  the  Indians,  like  s, 
belt  of  wiunpum  rouml  the  waist  of  a  warrior?" 

•'  'I'liis  is  not  true,"  rejoiiied  the  governor.  '"  Tt  was  not  the  Saganaw,  tmt 
the  warriors  of  the  pale  Hasr,  wlio  first  eaiue  and  took  away  the  huntinji; 
grounds,  and  built  tlie  stroii}>-  plaees.  The  great  father  of  tlifi  Sagauaw  had 
beaten  the  great  father  of  the  pale  Hag  quite  out  of  the  Canadas,  and  he  sent 
his  young  men  to  take  their  place  and  to  make  peace  with  the  red  skins,  and 
to  trade  with  them,  and  to  call  them  brothers.." 

''The  Saganaw  was  false,"  I'elorted  the  Indian.  '" \Ylien  a  chief  of  tho 
Saganaw  came  for  the  first  time  with  bis  warriors  into  the  country  of  the 
Ottawas,  the  chief  of  the  (tttawus  stood  in  his  path,  and  asked  him  why,  and 
from  wiiom  he  came  ?  That  c)\ief  was  a  bold  warrior,  and  his  heart  was 
open,  and  the  (Htawa  lilted  him  ;  and  when  he  said  he  came  to  be  friendly 
with  tlie  red  skins,  the  Ottawa  believed  him.  and  he  shook  him  by  the  hand, 
and  .-aid  to  his  young  men,  •  Touch  nol.  the  life  of  a  Saganaw;  for  their  chief 
is  tlie  friend  ol  tlie  Ottiiwa  cliiel'.  and  liis  young  men  .shall  be  the  friends  of 
the  red  warriors.'  Look,"  lie  jiroceeded,  marking  his  sen.^e  of  the  discovery 
by  another  of  tliose  (Jaculatory  •■  iighs  !"  so  expfcssive  of  surprise  in  an  Ii>- 
dian.  "  at  the  right  hand  of  mj-  father  I  see  a  chief,"  pointing  to  Captain 
Krskine,  "  who  came  with  those  of  the  Saganaw  wlio  first  entered  tlie  country 
of  the  Detroit  ; — ask  that  cliiel'  if  what  the  Otiawa  says  is  not  true.  \Ylten 
the  Saiianaw  said  lie  came  only  to  i  eiiiove  the  v.  arriors  of  the  pale  flag,  thak 
he  migiit  be  fiiendly  and  !v!i;ii-  wj.h  ilie  red  s);ins.  the  Ottawa  received  the 
belt  of  wampum  lie  oliered,  iui,l  smoked  the  pipe  of  peace  with  him.  and  be 
made  his  men  \aing  bags  of  ^,;uched  corn  to  his  warriors  who  Avanted  fowi. 
and  he  sent  to  all  the  nations  on  the  lakes,  and  said  to  them.  •  The  Saganaw 
must  ]ia.ss  unhurt  to  the  strong  hold  on  the  Detroit.'  But  for  the  (Jttawa. 
not  a  Saganaw  would  have  escaped  ;  for  the  nations  were  thir.sting  for  their 
blood,  and  the  knives  of  the  warriors  were  eager  to  open  their  .scalps.  Ask 
the  chief  who  sits  at  the  right  hand  of  my  fatlier,"  he  again  energet^ically  re- 
peated. •■  if  what  the  Ottawa  says  is  not  true." 

■  W^hat  the  Ottawa  .says  is  true,"  rejoined  the  governor;  for  the  chief  who 
sits  on  my  right  hand  has  often  ,said  that,  but  for  the  Ottawa,  the  small  nuni- 
ber  of  the  warriors  of  the  Saganaw  must  have  been  cut  off;  and  his  heart  is 
bi'!;  with  kindness  to  the  Ottawa  for  what  he  did.  But  if  the  great  chisif 
meant  to  be  friendly,  why  did  he  declare  war  after  smoking  the  pipe  of  pea4^  „ 
with  the  Saganaw  ?  Why  ilid  he  destroy  the  wigwams  of  the  settlers,  aixt 
<arry  off  tlu;  scalps  even  of  their  weak  women  and  children  ?  All  thi.s  ha> 
the  Ottawa  done ;  and  yet  he  .says  that  he  wished  to  be  friendly  with  my 
young  men.  ihit  the  Sauanav.  is  not  a  fool.  lie  knows  the  Ottawa  chifcli' 
liad  no  will  of  his  own.  <»u  the  right  hand  of  tlie  Ottawa  sits  the  great  clucf 
of  tlie  Delawares,  and  on  his  left  the  gieat  chief  of  the  Shawanees.  They 
have  long  been  the  sworn  enemies  of  the  Saganaw  ;  and  they  came  from  tbtr 
rivers  that  rini  near  tlie  salt  lake  to  stir  up  the  red  skins  of  the  De'ioit,  to 
war.  Tliey  whispered  wicked  w<uds  in  the  ear  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  and  ?M.» 
detcnu'iieii  to  take  ni)  the  tilooily  hatchet.  This  is  a  shame  to  a  great  wa:c- 
rioi'.  The  Ottawa  w.is  a  king  ovei'  ail  the  tribes  in  the  country  w  the  kuih 
lakes.  !Uid  \et  he  weakl\-  look  ciuiici!  ii!;e  a  \roiiian  from  another." 


••  M-  father  li 


tiercel  \- 


retorie  1  Die  wai'i'ior.  half  spriniring  to  his  feet. 


and  involinilarily  puiting  liis  hand  uiioii  his  toniiha.vk.  '■  [f  the  settlers  v(T 
the  Saganaw  ha\e  t'ailen,"  he  resuui'.d  in  a  calmer  tone,  while  he  again  Mm'k 
upon  his  mat,  '"it  is  becau.-;c  they  did  not  kc^'p  their  faitli  with  the  red  skir^^ 
When  tiiey  came  weak,  and  were  n')t  secine  in  their  strong  hold.-j.  their 
tongues  \^'ei'e  sinooiii  am!  full  of  .soft  word; ;  Init  when  they  became  .struif:: 
under  the  protc'-iou  >!'  thi'ir.thuirl.r,  tli.y  no  longer  treated  the  red  skias 
ais  their  friends,  and  tlv.y  .'auj.he:]  at  ihein  for  letting   tliem  come  into  tb.t-iy 


// 


/ 


84 


W    A  C  O  I'  S  T  A 


o  K  ,    T  n  i;    p  R  o  1'  H  i:  c  v. 


counliy.  liiit."  he  imiMiiil,  cl^'vatiiiu  his  voice.  "  tlie  Othiv.n  is  a  urcat  t'liiot". 
anil  he  will  be  i'e.-])ce1e(l."  'I'lieii  iulvertiiij:'  in  hitternuss  to  the  inlinencc  sup- 
jioseil  to  lie  exeroiseil  over  liim — "  What  my  f'atliur  lias  said  is  I'alse.  The 
Shawanees  jind  the  I  )ela\vaivs  liad  no  talk  with  the  ( )ttnwa  rhief  to  make  liini 
ilo  what  his  own  wisdom  did  ncjt  tell  him." 

•■Then,  if  the  talk  came  not  I'roiii  the  Shawanees  and  tlie  Delawares,  it 
came  from  the  sjiies  of  the  warriois  of  tin-  ])aU'  (laj;-.  The  p'tat  liither  of  the 
Krench  wa<  amii'v  w  itii  tlie  ;:icat  liitliei'  of  the  Sauanaw.  hecanse  )i  'coiif|nci'ed 
his  waniois  in  many  l.'attlcs  ;  and  lie  sent  wicked  men  to  whis]iei'  ii^'s  of  tfie 
.Sa,i!,aniiw  into  the  ears  of  the  red  .skins,  and  to  make  them  lake  n]i  the  hatchet 
against  thcui.  Ti  Me  is  a  tall  sjiy  at  this  moiiRiit  in  the  cnmi)  of  the  i-ed 
skins,"  lie  jinvsp.ed  with  ci.inestness.  and  yet  psdinir  as  lie  spoke.  "  ft  is  .said 
he  is  the  liosum  friend  of  the  jiveat  chief  of  the  Otiawas.  lint  I  will  not  he- 
liove  it.  Tlu;  head  of  a  j;i'eat  nation  wonld  not  ))e  the  friend  of  a  fi]iy — of  one 
who  is  baser  than  a  dog.  His  ]R(i])le  wcjnld  (k'.-^pise  him  ;  and  they  wonld 
pay,  •  Our  chief  is  not  lit  to  sit  in  council,  or  to  make  ^var ;  for  he  is  led  by 
the  word  of  a  pale  face  wlio  is  without  honor.'  " 

The  swarthy  cheek  of  the  Indian  reddened,  and  his  eye  kindle<I  into  lire. 
'•  There  is  no  spy,  but  a  j^reat  warrior  in  the  cam])  oi'  the  ( Htawas."  he  iierce- 
ly  replied.  ••  Tliotijih  lie  came  from  the  country  that  lies  beyond  the  salt 
lake,  he  is  now  u  chief  of  tlie  red  skins,  and  bis  arm  is  mijrhty.  and  liis  lieart 
is  bi.ir.  AVould  my  liilher  know  why  iie  has  become  a  chief  of  the  Otiawas?" 
he  jnirsued  \vitli  scornful  exultation.  "  Wlten  the  strom;;  holds  of  tlie  Saj;a- 
naw  fell,  the  tomaliawk  of  tlie  •  white  waii'ior '  drank  more  lilood  than  that 
of  a  red  .skin,  and  his  ti'ut  is  hun;:  i-oiind  Midi  ]ioles  bendiirz'  under  the  \veiji'ht 
of  the  scalps  he  Ims  taken.  W'iieii  t!ie  jireat  chief  of  the  Oltawas  dies,  the 
pale  face  will  leaii  his  v.arriors,  and  take  the  first  seat  in  the  couiuil.  The  Ot- 
tawa chief  is  his  friend." 

•'If  the  pale  face  ],v  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa."  pursued  the  governor,  in 
the  li0]ie  of  obtainiii;i-  some  ])artieu]ar  intelligence  in  regard  to  tliis  terrible 
and  mysterious  lieing.  "  why  is  lie  not  here  to  y.\[  in  council  Avitli  the  chiefs? 
Perhaps."  he  ]iroceeded  tauntingly,  as  he  i'ancieil  he  jierccived  a  disinclination 
on  the  part  of  the  lndi;:'.i  to  accouiiL  for  the  absence  of  tlu'  warrior,  "the  pale 
face  is  iKjt  wortliv  lo  t:d:e  his  ])lact  among  the  lie.id  men  of  the  council.  His 
arm  may  be  sirong  like  lliat  of  a  AVjirrior,  luit  his  hesid  may  be  weak  like  that 
of  a  wo'  lan  ;  or.  perhaps,  he  is  asliameil  to  show  him>elf  before  the  pal." 
faces,  who  ha-.e  tiiriied  him  out  of  their  tribe." 

••  My  father  lies!"  again  tmceremonionsly  retorted  the  warrior.  "If  the 
frien<l  of  the  Ottawa  is  not  here,  it  is  because  his  voice  cannot  sjieak.  Does 
my  father  recollect  the  bridge  on  which  he  killed  his  young  Avanior  ?  Hoes 
lie  recollect  the  terrible  chase  of  the  jiale  face  by  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa? 
Tgh  !"  he  continued,  as  his  attention  was  now  diverted  to  another  object  of 
interest,  "that  pale  face  was  swifter  tlian  any  runner  at  i(mg  the  red  skins, 
and  for  his  lleetness  \iv  desel^ed  to  live  to  be  a  great  hunter  in  the  ("anadas; 
but  ''ear  broke  his  lieart — fear  of  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  ciiief.  Tlic  red 
skins  saw  him  fall  at  the  feet  of  the  Saganaw  without  life,  and  they  saw  the 
young  warriois  bear  hiui  oil'  in  tluir  arms.  1s  not  the  Ottawa  right?  'J'he 
Indian  jiatised.  threw  his  eye  rapidly  along  the  i-oon\.  and  then,  fixing  it  on 
the  governor,  seemed  to  Vtait  with  deep  but  su])])ressed  interest  for  his  reply, 

••  I'eace  to  the  bones  ol'  a  brave  warrior  I"  seriou.sly  and  evasivi'ly  returned 
the  governor :  "  the  jiale  face  is  no  longer  in  the  land  of  the  Canadas.  and  the 
young  warri(Ji  s  of  the  Saganaw  are  soify  for  his  loss ;  but  what  v.onld  the  Ot- 
tawa .say  of  the  Ijiidge  .^  and  what  lias  the  ptile  \vari'ior.  the  friend  of  the  Ot- 
tawa, to  do  with  if  .'" 

A  gleam  of  sati.-l'action  pervaded  the  countenance  of  Ihe  todian,  as  he  eap;- 
crly  l)cnt  his  ear  t<i  receive  Ihe  assurance  that  the  fugitive  was  no  more;  but 


when  allusion  was  made  to  the  str 
he  riplied  with   niimiled   haught 


imie  warrior,  his  iirow 


beca'ue  overcast,  and 


mc.- 


ana 


aiigei 


.— "  Does 


itlier  as 


k? 


\y  A  c  o  tr  s  T  A 


O  Tt 


T  11  i:      1'  II  0  1'  II    K  C  Y 


85 


cliior. 

0  sup- 

Th(- 

a-  liini 


Ho  has  (lo<2-s  of  spies  iiinonj!;  the  settlors  (if  Uie  pale  tiat!;,  l)Ul  the  touuihinvk 
of  the  red  skins  will  liiid  them  out.  ami  (hey  shall  perish  even  as  the  Saga- 
naw  themselves.  Two  nights  H'jio.  when  the  warriors  of  the  Otla.was  were 
returninf;  from  the  scout  ui)on  the  commdn.  they  heard  the  voiee  of  Ouondato, 
the  wolf-dosr  of  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief.  The  v(jiee  etmie  from  the 
hridp:e  where  the  Saganaw  killed  his  young  Avarrior,  and  it  called  u])on  the  red 
skins  for  assistance.  My  yonii;;-  men  ;iave  their  war  cry,  and  ran  like  wild 
doer  to  destroy  the  enemies  of  their  chief;  but  when  they  came  tlic  spies  had 
tied,  and  the  \nu'(\  of  <  )nondato  was  low  and  weak  as  thai  of  a  new  fawn  ;  and 
when  the  warriors  came  to  the  oiher  end  of  the  hri(l;^e.  iliev  found  tiie  i)alo 
cliief  lyinjr  across  the  road  and  covered  over  with  lilood.  'I'hey  thought  he 
was  dead,  and  thcii-  cry  was  terrible  ;  for  the  pale  warrior  is  a  greiit  chief,  and 
tlie  Ottawas  love  him;  but  when  they  looked  again,  they  saw  that  the  blood 
was  the  blood  of  Onondatu,  whose  throi.t  the  spies  of  the  Saganaw  had  cut,  that 
lie  might  not  hunt  them  and  give  them  to  the  tomahawk  of  tlie  red  skins.'' 
Freipient  glances,  expressive  oi"  their  dee])  interest  in  (lie  announcement  of 
this  intelligence,  passed  between  the  governor  and  his  oUicers.  It  was  clear 
the  party  who  had  encountered  the  terrilile  warrior  of  the  Fleur  do  Lis  were 
not  spies  (for  none  were  employed  by  the  garrison),  but  their  adventurous 
r'ompanions  who  had  so  ret^ently  quitted  them.  This  was  ])ut  l>eyond  all 
doubt  by  the  niglit,  the  hour,  and  the  not  less  important  fact  of  the  locality ; 
for  it  was  from  the  bridge  described  by  the  Indian,  near  which  the  Canadian 
)iad  stated  his  canoe  to  be  chained,  they  were  to  embark  on  their  perilous  and 
uncertain  enterjirise.  The  question  of  their  own  escape  from  danger  in  this 
unlocked  for  collision  with  so  powei'ful  and  ferocious  an  enemy,  and  of  the 
fidelity  of  the  Canadian,  still  remained  involved  in  doubi,  which  it  might  be 
imprudent,  if  not  dangerous,  to  seek  lo  have  resolved  by  any  direct  remark 
on  the  .subject  to  the  keen  and  observant  warrior.  Ti'.i'  governor  removed 
this  dithculty  by  artfully  observing, — "'The  great  chiel'  of  the  Ottawas  has 
said  they  were  the  spies  of  the  Saganaw  who  killed  the  p,ale  warrior.  His 
young  men  have  found  them,  then  ;  or  how  could  he  Ivuow  they  wei'c  spies  ?" 
••  Is  ihero  a  warrior  among  the  Saganaw  who  dares  to  sho^v  himself  in  the 
path  of  the  red  .skins,  unless  he  come  in  strength  ami  sui'rounded  by  his 
thunder  ?"  was  the  sneering  demand.  '•  But  my  father  is  wrong  if  he  sup- 
poses the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  is  killed.  No,"  he  pursued  iiercely,  "  the  dogs 
of  spies  could  not  kill  him  ;  they  were  afraid  to  face  so  terrible  a  warrior. 
They  came  behind  him  in  the  dark,  and  they  struck  him  on  the  head  like 
cowards  and  foxes  as  they  were.  The  warrior  of  the  pale  face,  and  the  friend 
of  the  Ottawa  chief,  is  sick  but  not  dead.  He  lies  without  motion  in  his  tent, 
and  his  voice  cannot  sp'  ik  to  his  friend  to  tell  him  who  v  ere  his  enemies, 
that  he  may  l)ring  their  calps  to  hang  up  within  his  wigwam.  But  the  great 
chief  will  soon  he  wel',  and  his  arm  will  be  stronger  than  ever  to  spill  the 
blood  of  the  Saganaw  as  he  has  done  before." 

''  The  talk  of  the  Ottawa  chief  is  strange,"  returned  the  governor,  emphati- 
cally and  with  dignity.  "  He  says  he  conies  to  smoke  the  jiipe  of  peace  with 
theSaganaw,  and  yt  he  talks  of  spilling  their  blood  as  if  it  was  water  from 
the  lake.  What  does  the  Ottawa  mean  ?"  "  TTgh  !"  exclaimed  the  Indian,  in 
his  surprise.  "  My  tatlK.T  is  right,  but  the  Ottawa  and  the  Saganaw  have  not 
yet  smoked  together.  When  they  have,  the  hatchet  will  be  Iniried  for  ever. 
Until  then,  they  are  still  enemies." 

During  this  hmg  and  important  colloquy  of  the  leading  parties,  the  strictest 
silence  had  ln'cn  jiresirved  liy  the  remainder  of  the  council.  The  inferior  chiefs 
liad  continued  deliberately  jmlhng  the  smoke  fr(nu  their  curled  lijis,  as  they 
sat  cross-leiTged  on  their  mats,  and  nodding  their  heads  at  ind  r\als  in  conlir- 
mation  of  the  occasional  apjieal  made  by  the  rapid  glance  of  the  Ottawa,  and 
lit*  ,:.io'  their  gutteral  "  Cgh  !"  whenever  any  observation  of  the  parlant  par- 
lies i!>?xheil  their  feelings,  or  called  forth  their  siirjirise.  Tin  olHcers  had  been 
no  ie.-.;  -'"lit  ami  attentive  listeners  to  a  conversation  on  the  i-sui  of  which 


96 


W  A  C  O  b  S  T  A 


0 


T  U  i:      1'  It  O  P  H  E  C  V 


huiij?  so  many  ik'iir  aai!  i-araiiioi'.i'.t  iiUfivsts.  A  pans.'  in  tlic  conll-rence  gave 
thcni  an  Di^jiovninity  »'■'  vt)muv:ut'mu-  in  ;i  low  tono  on  flic  ("oinniuniuution 
made,  in  the  sin)ii;;'  c^citfrnciii  of  his  pride,  by  the  Oti.-'.>v;i  chifC.  in  n'i;ard  to 
the  tc'irihli'  w aiiioi'  of  the  Flenv  dc  Lis ;  wlio.  it  war,  cvi<lont.  swuyi'il  the  coun- 
cils of  thv  lnu!;;iis,  and  consffju.'ntiy  exercised  an'in-!'nen''i>  ovir  the  nltiinate 
destinies  of  tlio  KiioJish.  which  it  was  impossihle  to  contenipiale  '.vithont  alarm. 
It  was  evident  to  all,  from  wliat^oever  canso  it  ini,;j""t  avi-e,  tliis  man  cherished 
a  rancor  towards  certain  iiidi\i'liials  in  tin'  fort,  iiulncinv  an  anxiety  in  its  re- 
duction scarcely  e(|iialled  hy  that  entertained  on  th-  part  of  (he  Indians  them- 
.selves.  iJeyond  this,  however,  all  wa.s  mystery  am'  donht ;  nor  lia  i  any  clue 
been  given  to  enal)le  theni  to  arvive  even  at  a  well  I'ouiided  itpjuehension  of 
the  motives  M'hi'-h  liad  jiiven  hirth  to  the  vindictivness  of  purpose  so  univer- 
.'allv  ascribed  to  him  oven  by  the  sava/ics  themselves. 


pr 


The  chiefs  also  availed  themselves  of  this  pause  in  the  conversation  of  the 

incipals,  to  sustain  a  low  and  animated  di.seussion.  Thos-j  of  the  Shawanee 
and  Delaware  nations  were;  especially  earnest;  an<l,  as  they  spoke  lu'ross  the 
Ottawa,  betrayed,  )>y  their  vehemence  of  posture,  the  action  of  some  stronjT 
fcelin,!!  upon  their  minds,  the  precise  nature  ol'  which  could  not  be  ascertained 
from  their  speech  at  the  op])osite  extremity  of  the  room.  The  Ottawa  ditl  not 
deifni  to  join  in  their  conversation,  but  sat  sniokinjj;  his  ]iipe  in  all  the  calm 
forbidding  dij^nity  of  a  proiid  fndian  w  .ror  co'  uHous  of  his  own  imj)ortanco. 

"Does  the  ^.reat  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  then,  -eck  for  peace  in  his  heart  at 
lenpfth?"  resumed  the  "oveiMior ;  "or  is  he  come  to  the  stronsihold  of  Detroit, 
as  ho  went  to  the  other  strongholds,  with  deceit  on  his  lijis  ?"  The  Indian 
slowly  removed  the  ))ipe  from  his  inoTith.  fixed  his  keen  eye  sear''hingly  on 
that  of  the  (juestionor  for  nearly  a  minute,  and  then  brielly  and  iiaughtily  said, 
"  The  Ottawa  chief  has  spoken." 

■'  And  do  the  gre.-t  chiefs  of  the  Shawfineos,  and  the  great  chiefs  of  the  Dela- 
wares,  and  the  great  chiefs  of  the  other  nations,  ask  for  peace  also  ?"  demanded 
the  governor.     "  If  so,  let  them  speak  for  themselves,  and  for  their  warriors." 

We  will  not  trespass  on  the  reader  by  a  transcript  of  the  declarations  of  the 
inferior  chiefs.  Piach  in  his  ttn-n  avowed'  motives  similar  to  those  of  the  Ottawa 
for  wishing  the  hatchet  might  be  buried  for  ever,  and  that  their  young  men 
should  mingle  once  more  in  confidence,  not  only  with  the  English  tioops,  but 
with  the  settlers,  who  would  again  be  brought  into  the  country  at  the  cessa- 
tion of  hostilities.  When  each  had  spoken,  the  ( )ttawa  passed  tlie  pipe  of 
ceremony,  with  which  he  was  provided,  to  the  governor.  The  latter  put  it  to 
his  lips,  and  commenced  smoking.  The  Indians  keenly,  and  hall' furtively, 
watched  the  act ;  and  looks  of  deep  intelligence,  that  escaped  not  the  notice  of 
the  equally  anxious  and  ol)Scrvant  officers,  passed  among  them. 

'•  The  pipe  of  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  .smokes  well."  calmly  remarked 
the  governor;  "but  the  Ottawa  chief,  in  his  hurry  to  come  and  ask  for  peace, 
has>  made  a  mistake.  The  pipe  and  all  its  ornaments  are  rod  like  blood  :  it  is 
the  pipe  of  war,  and  not  the  pipe  of  peace.  The  great  cliicf  of  the  Ottawas 
will  be  angry  with  himself;  ho  has  entered  the  stronghold  of  the  Saganaw, 
and  .sat  in  the  council,  without  doing  any  good  for  his  young  men.  The  Ottawa 
must  come  again." 

A  deep  but  subdued  expression  of  disappointment  passed  over  the  features 
of  the  chiefs.  They  watched  the  countenances  of  the  officers,  to  see  whether 
the  substitution  of  one  jiipe  for  I'le  other  had  been  attributed,  in  their  estima- 
tion, to  accident  or  design.  There  was  nothing,  however,  to  indicate  the 
slightest  doiil)l  of  their  sincerity. 

"My  father  is  right,"  replied  the  Indian,  with  an  appearance  of  embarrass- 
ment, which,  whotiier  natural  or  feigned,  had  nothing  suspicious  in  it.  "The 
great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  has  been  foolish,  like  an  old  woman.  The  young 
chiefs  of  his  tribe  will  laugh  at  him  for  this.  But  the  Ottawa  chief  will  come 
again,  and  the  other  chiefs  with  him,  for  as  my  father  sees,  they  all  wish  for 
peace ;  and  that  my  father  may  know  all  the  nations  wish  for  peace,  as  well 


\v  A  c  0  r  s  T  A  ;    ok,    the    i'  r  o  p  ii  e  c  y  . 


87 


as  their  liciid  nun,  tlit'  wariiors  of  thu  Ottiuvu,  and  of  tlie  Shnwance,  and  of 
the  Di'liiwarc.  sluill  \thiy  at  hall  njion  tin-  coinmitn,  to  aninsc  his  young  men, 
while  tlic  ciiii'fs  sit  in  council  with  thu  chiefs  of  the  Saganaw.  The  red  .skins 
shall  come  naked,  ami  w  itiiout  their  rifles  and  tlieir  tomahawks  ;  and  even  the 
squaws  of  Ihe  uarriors  shall  come  upon  the  common,  to  show  the  Saganaw 
they  may  he  v,  iliiont  feai'.     Does  my  father  hear?" 

'•Till'  Ottawa  chief  sayj;  well,"  relurneil  the  pivernor;  ''hut  will  the  pale 
friend  of  the  OKawa  eonu'  also  to  take  his  seat  in  the  council  hall  ?  The  great 
chief  has  said  the  jiaU^  warrior  has  become  the  second  chief  among  the  Ottawas; 
and  th.at  when  he  is  ilead,  the  jjale  warrior  will  lead  the  Ottawas,  and  take 
the  first  seat  iu  the  council.  Ife,  too,  shoulil  smoke  tlie  ])ipo  of  peace  with  the 
Sa;i,anaw,  tlsat  the}-  may  know  he  is  no  loiter  their  enemy." 

The  Indian  hesitated,  uttering  merely  liis  quick  ejaculatory  "  Ugh  I"  in  ex- 
pression of  his  surprise  at  so  unexpected  a  requisition.  "  The  pale  warrior, 
the  friend  of  the  Ottawa,  is  very  sick  "  he  au  length  said ;  '"  hut  if  the  Great 
Sjiirit  should  give  him  l)ack  his  voice  l)cfore  the  chiefs  come  again  to  the  coun- 
cil, the  pale  face  will  come  too.  If  my  fathei-  does  not  see  him  then,  he  will 
know  the  frieml  of  tlie  Ottawa  chief  is  very  sick." 

The  governor  deemed  it  prudent  not  to  press  the  question  too  closely,  lest 
in  so  doing  he  should  excite  suspicion,  and  defeat  liis  own  object.  "  When 
will  t!ic  Ottawa  and  the  other  chiefs  come  again  ?"  lie  a.sked ;  "  and  when  will 
theii-  warriors  play  ball  u])on  the  conunon,  that  the  Saganaw  may  pee  them 
and  l)e  amused  ?"  '"  When  the  sun  has  travelled  so  many  times,"  replied 
Ponti-ac,  folding  up  three  fingers  of  his  left  hand.  '•  Then  will  the  Ottawa 
and  the  other  chiefs  bring  their  young  warriors  and  tlieir  young  women." 

'•It  is  too  soon,"  was  the  reply;  '•the  Saganaw  must  have  time  to  collect 
their  presents,  that  they  may  give  them  to  the  3'oung  warriors  who  are  swift- 
est at  the  race,  and  most  active  at  the  b.all.  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas, 
too,  must  let  the  .settlers  of  the  pale  flag,  who  are  the  friends  of  the  red  skins, 
brin,L','  in  food  for  the  Saganaw,  that  a  great  feast  may  be  given  to  the  chiefs, 
and  to  the  warriors,  and  that  the  Sag-anaw  ma^^make  peace  with  the  Ottawas 
and  the  other  nations  as  becomes  a  great  people.  In  twice  so  many  days," 
holding  up  three  of  his  fingers  in  imitation  of  the  Indian,  "  the  Saganaw  will 
be  reail}^  to  receive  tlio  chiefs  in  council,  that  they  may  smoke  the  pipe  of 
peace,  and  bury  the  hatchet  for  ever.  What  says  the  great  chief  of  the 
(Jttawas  ?" 

'•  It  is  good,"  was  the  reply  of  the  Indian,  his  eye  lighting  up  with  deep 
and  exulting  expression.  "  The  settlers  of  the  pale  flag  shall  bring  food  to 
the  Saganaw.  T'he  Ottawa  chief  will  .send  them,  and  he  will  desire  his  young 
men  not  to  prevent  them.  In  so  many  da^^s,  then,"  indicating  with  his  fingers, 
*'  the  gi'eat  chiefs  will  sit  again  in  council  with  the  Saganaw,  and  the  Ottawa 
chief  will  not  be  a  fool  to  bring  the  pipe  he  docs  not  want." 

With  this  assurance  the  conference  terminated.  Ponteac  raised  his  tall 
frame  from  the  mat  on  which  he  had  been  squatted,  nodded  condescendingly 
to  the  governor,  and  strode  haughtily  into  the  square  or  area  of  the  fort.  The 
other  chiefs  followed  his  example  ;  and  to  Major  Blackwater  was  again  assign- 
ed the  duty  of  accomiianying  them  without  the  works.  The  glance  of  the 
savages,  anil  that  of  Ponteac  in  pai'ticular,  was  less  wary  than  at  their  en- 
ti'ance.  I'laeh  seemed  to  embrace  oxcry  object  on  which  the  e3-es  could  rest, 
as  if  to  fix  its  position  indelibly  in  his  memory.  The  young  chief,  who  had 
been  so  suddenly  and  ojjportunely  checked  while  in  the  very  act  of  pealing 
forth  his  terrible  war-wh.oop,  again  looked  up  at  the  windows  of  the  block- 
house, in  quest  of  those  whom  his  savage  instinct  had  already  devoted  in  in- 
tention to  his  tomahawk,  but  they  were  no  longer  there. '  Such  was  the 
silence  that  reigned  every  where,  the  fort  appeared  '.o  be  tenanted  only  by  the 
few  men  of  the  guard,  who  fingered  near  their  .stations,  attentively  watching 
the  Indians,  as  they  jiassed  towards  the  gate.  A  very  few  minutes  sufficed  to 
Lring  the  latter  once  more  in  the  midst  of  their  warriors,  whom  for  a  few 


88 


w  A  c  0  r  s  r  A  ;    or,    the    pro  p  ii  k  c  y  , 


momoiUs.  tluiy  iiaruiiy,ii(.'il  liiriR'stly.  wlicu  ilio  whole  Iiody  ngiiin  moved  oft' 
in  tht-  tJiioctidii  of  tlK'ircuaiinpiiK'iil. 


(•(rAPTKU  XIV. 


"!■      / 


Tun  woi'k  (Imt  iutcrvenetl  lictwcen  tlif  vi.-itnl  tlio  cliiils  ami  the  day  ap- 
pointed for  thi'ir  second  iiK'ttiii.u;  in  ('(inncil,  was  passi'd  l>y  tin'  ^iarrison  in 
jii'i'H'ct  iivudoui  IVom  aiavni.  altiiuiii;li,  u.->  usual,  in  d'li^iVuL  watchrulni'ss  and 
I>r('IiiiraU(>ns  IWr  i.asiiiillic-'.  In  coiitoTtiiily  wil'i  hi-i  iiioinisc.  the  Indian  liad 
(U'spalchod  ni'iny  of  tin'  (.'aiiailiiiin  seltliTs,  \vitli  sncli  provisions  as  tin'  coun- 
try then  alli)idcd,  to  the  jiovernor.  ami  these.  hap])y  to  olilain  the  j?old  of  the 
troops  in  vetnri)  for  what  they  eould  ctuneniently  s|)are.  w  ;re  not  slow  in 
iivailin^'  tliesnsclves  of  the  perniis<i(}n.  I)riid  ))e:n's  meat,  scnison,  and  fmlian 
coi'ii.  (•()nipo<(.'(i  i1k-  sul)sla!i('e  of  tiiese  supplies,  whicli  were  in  snilicient  al)ii7i- 
danee  id  produee  a  six  Aveeks'  increase  to  ihe  stoek  oi'tlie  ;;arrison.  Hitherto 
they  had  heen  ^ulisislin'r.  in  a  .e,reat  detiree.  ujion  salt  pi'ovisions  ;  the  lood 
furtively  supplied  hy  the  (  anadians  beinji  necessarily,  from  their  dread  of  de- 
tection, on  so  limited  a  scale,  that  a  very  small  portion  of  tlie  troops  had  been 
enaljled  to  ))rolit  hy  it.  This,  therefore,  was  an  imjiortant  and  nnexpectefl 
lienelit.  derived  from  llie  fallimjr  in  of  the  jiari'ison  with  the  i)rofessed  viiiws  of 
the  savaj;es ;  and  one  which.  iierliii])S.  few  ollieers  would,  like  Colonel  de  Ilal- 
dimar,  have  possessed  tin'  l<)relh()u;Jit  to  have  secured.  l!ut  althouLih  it  serv- 
ed to  relieve  the  animal  wants  of  the  m.ui.  theie  was  little  to  remove  his 
moral  iiKpiiotude.  Discourajicd  by  the  san;:iiinary  ehar.'.cter  of  the  warfare 
iu  which  they  seemed  doonieil  to  be  for  ever  enjiaucd.  au<l  harassed  by  eon- 
.stant  watchinus. — seldom  takinji;  otf  their  clothes  for  weeks  together. — tlie 
men  hail  fuadually  Iteen  losing-  their  enei'iiv  ()f  spirit,  in  the  contemplation  of 
the  almost  irremediable  e\ils  i»y  which  they  were  beset;  and  looked  forward 
with  sad  and  disheartenin,^'  eouvietion  to  a  fate,  that  all  thin;^s  tended  to  prove 
to  them  was  unavoidable,  howevei'  the  [)eriod  of  its  consunimalion  inij^ht  bo 
protracted.  Amoni>'  the  oilicers,  this  tlcjeetion,  althou}ih  proceedinj^'  from  a 
dilferent  cause,  \^•as  no  less  jirevalenl ;  and  notwillistandinp;  they  sou^tit  to 
disguise  it  befui'i^  their  men,  when  left  to  themselves  they  ^ave  unlimited  rein 
to  ii  desiiondenev  houily  aec|uirin.:i'  strength,  as  the  day  lived  on  for  the  second 
council  with  the  Indians  drew  near. 

At  length  came  that  terrible  and  eventful  day,  and,  as  if  in  mockery  of 
those  who  saw  no  Iieauty  iu  its  jioldcn  beams,  arrayed  in  all  the  ftorfreous  soft- 
ness of  its  kutnnniai  nlory.  Sad  ai.d  heavy  were  the  hearts  of  many  within 
that  far  distant  and  isolated  fort,  as  they  rose,  at  the  first  ulimmerinji'  of  Ijnht 
above  the  liorizon.  to  jirepare  for  the  seveial  duties  assi<ined  them.  All  felt 
the  inlluence  of  a  I'ee'infi- that  laid  prostrate  the  moral  ene. pies  even  of  the 
boldest :  but  there  was  one  young  officer  in  pai'ticular.  who  exhibited  a  dejec- 
tion, degeneratiufr  almost  into  slu])efaction ;  and  more  than  once,  when  ho 
receiveil  an  order  from  his  superior,  hesitated  as  one  who  either  heard  not,  or. 
in  altemptinii'  to  jierform  it.  mistook  the  jiurport  of  his  instructions,  and  exe- 
cuted •^ome  entirely  ditl'eient  duty.  'I'he  countenance  of  this  ofliccr,  who.se 
attenuated  jier.son  otherwise  bore  traces  of  lanuuor  and  debility,  but  too 
[ilainly  marked  the  absti'actedness  and  terror  of  his  mind,  while  the  set  stiff 
features  and  contracted  nui.scles  of  the  face  contributed  to  give  an  t'xprcssion 
of  vacuity,  that  one  who  knew  him  not  might  have  interjjreted  unfavorably. 
Several  times,  during  the  inspection  of  his  company  at  tin?  early  parade,  he 
was  seen  to  raise  his  head,  and  throw  forward  his  ear,  as  if  expecting  to  catch 
the  echo  of  some  horrible  and  ajipailingcry.  until  the  men  themselves  remark- 
ed, and  connuented.  by  interchange  of  looks,  on  the  singular  conduct  of  their 
ofticer.  who.'<e  thotight--  had  evidently  no  connection  with  the  duty  he  was 
performing,  or  the  spot  on  which  he  stood. 


wacovhta;  or,  the  prophecy. 


89 


When  this  customary  inspection  had  been  accomplished, — how  imperfectly, 
has  been  seen, — and  the  men  dismissed  from  their  ranks,  the  same  young 
officer  was  observed,  by  one  who  followed  his  every  movement  with  interest, 
to  ascenrl  that  part  of  the  rampart  which  commanded  an  unbroken  view  of 
the  country  westward,  from  the  point  where  the  encampment  of  the  Indians 
was  supposed  to  lie,  down  to  the  bridge  on  which  the  terrible  trage<ly  of  Hal- 
loway's  death  had  been  so  recently  enacted.  Unconscious  of  the,  presence  of 
two  sentinels,  who  mo.ve<l  to  and  fro  near  their  respective  posts,  on  either  side 
of  him,  the  young  oflicer  folded  his  arms,  and  pizcd  in  that  direction  for  some 
minutes,  with  his  whole  soul  riveted  on  the  scene.  Then,  as  if  overcome  by 
recollections  called  up  by  that  on  \wiich  he  gazed,  he  covered  his  eyes  hur- 
riedly with  his  hands,  and  l>etrayed,  by  the  convulsed  movement  of  his  slender 
form,  he  was  weepiiit;  ))itterly.  The  paroxysm  ])ast,  he  uncovered  his  face, 
sank  with  one  knee  upon  the  .urouud,  and  upraising  his  clasped  liauils,  as  if  in 
appeal  to  his  (rod.  seemed  to  pray  deeply  and  fervently.  !u  this  attitude  he 
continued  for  some  moments,  when  he  became  sensible  of  the  approach  of  an 
intruder.  lie  raised  himself  from  his  knee,  turned,  and  i)ehel(l  one  whose 
countenance  was  stamped  v  ith  a  dejection  scarcely  iuferior  to  his  own.  It 
was  Captain  Blessiunton. 

'•  Charles,  my  dear  Charles  !"  exclaimed  the  latter  hurriedly,  as  he  laid  his 
hand  ujion  the  shoulder  of  the  emaciated  De  ilaldimar,  "consider  you  are  not 
aloue.  For  (iod's  sake,  check  this  weakness!  There  are  men  observing  j-ou 
on  every  side,  and  your  strange  maimer  has  already  Ijeen  the  subject  of  re- 
mark iu  the  company." 

"  When  the  heart  is  sick,  like  mine,"  replied  the  youth,  in  a  tone  of  fearful 
despondency,  "it  is  alike  reckless  of  forms  anil  careless  of  appearances.  I 
trust,  however."  and  here  spoke  the  soldier.  "  there  are  few  within  this  fort 
who  will  believe  me  less  coura;ivous,  because  1  liave  been  seen  to  bend  my 
knee  in  sujiplication  to  my  (iod.  I  did  not  think  that  you,  Blessington, 
would  have  been  the  lirst  to  condemn  the  aet." 

"  r  condemn  it,  Charles !  ycm  misluke  me,  indeed  3'ou  do,"  feelingly  returned 
his  captain,  secretly  pained  at  the  mild  reproiich  coniaincnl  in  the  concluding 
sentence;  '"but  there  an;  two  things  to  be  considered.  In  the  iirst  instance, 
the  men  who  are  yet  in  ignorance  of  the  great  evils  with  which  we  are  threat- 
ened, may  mistake  ihe  cause  of  your  agitation  ;  you  were  in  tears  just  now, 
Charles,  and  the  sentinels  must  have  remarked  it  as  well  as  mj'self.  I  would 
not  have  them  to  believe  that  one  of  their  ollicers  was  alfeeted  by  the  antici- 
pation of  coming  disaster,  in  a  way  theii-  own  hearts  are  incapable  of  estimat- 
ing. You  understand  me,  Charles  ?  I  would  not  liave  them  too  much  dis- 
couraged by  an  example  that  may  become  infectious." 

••  1  (In  understand  you,  Blessington,"  and  a  forced  and  sickly  smile  played 
for  a  moment  over  the  wan  yet  handsome  features  of  the  young  olficer ;  "you 
;vould  not  have  me  appear  a  weeping  coward  in  their  eyes." 

"  Nay.  dear  Charles,  T  did  not  say  it." 

"  Hut  you  meant  it,  Blessington  ;  yet,  think  not," — and  he  warmly  pressed 
the  hand  of  his  captain, — "  tliink  not,  1  repeat,  [  take  your  hint  m  anj'^  other 
than  the  friendly  light  in  wiiicli  it  was  intended.  That  I  have  been  no 
coward,  however,  I  hope  !  have  given  proof  more  than  once  befoi'e  tlie  men, 
most  of  whom  have  known  me  from  my  cradle ;  yet,  whatever  they  may 
think,  is  to  me,  at  this  moment,  a  matter  of  utter  indiU'erence.  Blessington," 
and  again  the  tears  rolled  from  his  lixed  eyes  over  his  cheek,  while  he  pointed 
with  his  finger  to  the  western  horizon.  "  1  have  neither  thought  nor  feeling 
for  myself;  my  whole  heart  lies  buried  there.  Oh,  (iod  of  Heaven!"  he 
pursued,  after  a  pause,  and  again  raising  his  eyes  in  supplication,  "  avert  the 
dreadful  destiny  that  awaits  my  beloved  sister." 

''  Charles,  Charles,  if  only  for  that  sister's  .sake,  then,  calm  an  agitation 
which,  if  thus  indulged  in,  will  assuredly  destroy  j'ou.  All  will  yet  be  well. 
The  delay  obtained  by  your  fatlicr  has  been  sidlicient  for  the  purpose  proposed. 


00 


w  A  t  ()  r  s  r  A  ;    ok,    r  ii  i     r  u  n  v  ii  k  <;  v  . 


PL, 


fiCt  It,!  liiipr  Cor  tlic  lii'.-.i  :  'I  H'c  iiri'  disfiviMl  in  imi-  (■xiicrlniiini  il  will  then 
hi'  titiu'  f'lioiiuli  t'l  iiiiliilp*  il)  ti  \iv'M',  wliirli  ((iiild  sciirrcly  Ik'  i'\ri'i'di!il  wei'ii 
the  ti'iii't'iil  misiriviu'."-!  nt'  your  iiiind  Id  lio  ivali/,i''l  licrorc  yimr  fyc'i." 

'•  |{!vssiiifi;Vi)ii."'  ntiiriii'il  tlir  yiniiv.:  oltiwr, — und  his  U'litin'cs  cNliiliitod  thii 
livlic'si  iiniii:'!'  (ifdcsjiair. — •id!  Iioi-r  1ms  Ion.;-  sim-i'  Iiim  ii  extinct  in  my  lucutl. 
.S('i''yt»ii  yiiii  tlicnlrc  of  dcalh  /"'  iii'  iiiDiirnriilly  |iiii'siu'd,  iioiiitiii--  tn  llic  I'litul 
bridn'o,  wliich  whs  tiirown  iiilo  lud  I'l'liv't'iijiainsl  tlic  phu-iii  Imsuni  dl'  tlu'  l>i'- 
troit  :  •' rrrollcct  yoii  ihv  sn  iic  that  was  acti'd  on  it  !  As  I'oi-  nic.  it,  is  ever 
pro-, 'lit  to  my  mind. — 't  liamils  iiie  in  my  llioii'ilds  l)y  day.and  in  my  drcami 
iiy  iiijilit.  I  shall  mvcr  lorfii-i  it  whiLL^  memory  is  lel't  to  cni^"  mo  with 
tlie  powei'  of  rotro>pertion.  On  the  vi^-  spot  on  wliieh  I  now  stand  was  f 
))orn('  in  a  '•Imir,  to  -a  itness  the  dreadful  punishment  ;  you  see  the  stone  at 
my  feet.  I  marked  it  \>y  that.  I  saw  you  eondncl  llalloway  to  the  eenlre  of 
the  liridiic  ;  F  lielield  him  kneel  to  I'eeeive  his  death  ;  I  saw.  too.  the  teirihle 
raee  for  liH  thtd-  ini(riiipl"l  t!ie  proeecdiiifrs ;  I  marked  the  sudden  np-sprint: 
of  llidloway  to  his  led  11)1011  the  eollin.  and  the  exiiltiiin'  waviiiu-  of  his  hand. 
a.s  he  seemed  to  reeoiinise  the  rivals  for  mastery  in  the  raee.  'I'lieii  was  heard 
the  fatal  volley. and  1  sawthi'death-sli'iijriileofhim  who  hail  saved  my  hrother'.-i 
lit'  .  1  coiiM  have  ilieij.  too.  .at  thai  moment  ;  and  wmild  to  I'roviduiee  I  liad  ! 
V)iit  it  was  otherwise  di'croed.  My  iiehiiifi'  interest  was.  lor  a  moment,  cliverted 
t»y  tile  fearful  ehase  n"W  reii(>\\  ed  upon  the  heipht ;  and.  in  conitiioii  with 
those  ai'ound  me.  I  waiclu'd  theelfortsof  the  piir.-Juer  and  the  piirsifd  with 
painful  earnestness  and  donlit  as  to  the  final  result.  .\h.  iMessintrlon.  wdiy 
was  this  iiol  all  .■"  The  leriilile  shrielv  uitered  at  the  moment  wlien  the  find-  , 
tive  fell,  iipparently  d^'ad.  tu  the  feet  of  the  lirim:  parly,  reached  us  even  luic. 
I  felt  as  if  my  heart  must  have  lnir.it.  for  1  knew  it  to  he  the  shriek  of  jioor 
Kllen  Ihdloway. — the  sutt'erinn'  wife. — the  ln'okeii-hearted  woman  wlio  had 
so  nvently  in  all  the  wild  ahandonment  of  her  urief.  wwtted  my  jiillow.  imd 
even  my  cheek,  with  her  hiirnin;.^'  tears,  while  sii])i)iicatin'i'aii  intercession  with 
my  fatlier  lor  mercy,  whicli  I  knew  it  \»-oiild  he  utterly  fruitless  to  promise. 
The  discovery  of  Iter  evihan-ic  of  clothes  with  one  of  the  drum  hoys  of  the 
grenailiers  was  maile  soon  after  you  left  the  foi't.  I  saw  her  leap  upon  the 
ooHin.  and  standiier  over  the  hody  of  her  unhappy  hush.-uvl,  raise  lier  liand,* 
to  he.iven  in  adjuration,  and  my  lieart  died  within  me.  \  reeollectetl  the 
■words  she  had  spoken  on  a  nrevious  occasion,  durinu;  the  first  examination  of 
Hulloway.  and  f  felt  it  to  lie  t;he  prophetic  denunciation,  then  threatened,  that 
she  was  now  iitterin!>'  on  all  the  race  of  l)e  Haldimtir.  I  saw  no  more.  ]?less- 
in^ton.  Sick,  dizzy,  and  with  every  faculty  of  my  mind  anniliiliited.  1  turned 
away  from  the  horrid  scene,  and  was  auiiin  borne  to  my  room." 

♦■"iiptain  niessinutiiii  was  deeply  attirted ;  for  there  was  a  solemnity  in  the 
voieo  of  the  j-()nn<?  (^Ilicer  thtit  carried  conviction  to  tlie  heart. 

The  attAMition  of  botli  was  diverted  by  the  report  of  a  nmsket  from  the  rear 
of  the  fort.  Presently  afterwards,  tlie  word  was  pa.ssed  alone  the  chain  of 
.sentinels  u|)on  the  ramparts.  Lhat  the  Indian.'^  were  i.s.suinp;  in  force  from  tlie 
fore.st  upon  the  eomjnon  near  the  bomb-proof.  Then  was  heard,  as  the  senti- 
nel at  the  ^ate  delivered  the  pass-word,  the  heavy  roll  of  the  drum  Piunmoii- 
ing  to  arms. 

"Ha!  hero  already!"  .said  Oaptain  Blessinpton.  an.  udancin-r  towards  the 
forest,  he  beheld  the  skirt  of  the  wood  now  alive  with  dusky  hnmiin  forms: 
"Ponteac's  visit  is  eariiiT  than  we  had  been  tauc;ht  to  exi)ect ;  btit  avc  aiT  a?, 
well  pre)iared  to  receive  him  now  as  later  ;  ami.  in  fa<!t.  the  soomr  the  inter- 
view is  terminated,  the  .sooner  we  sh.al!  know  what  we  have  to  dejiend  iifxin. 
Come.  Cliar'es.  we  must  Join  the  company,  and  let  me  entreat  you  to  evin(H! 
less  despondency  hel'ore  the  men.  it  is  hiird,  I  know,  to  sustain  an  ai'titicial 
character  under  sueli  disheartening'  circumstances  ;  still,  for  example's  sake,  it 
must  bo  ilotie." 

'■  WImt  can  1  will  do.  iilessincrton,"  rejoined  the  youth,  as  they  both 
moved  from  tlie  rampaj't.-; ;  ••  Imt   the  task  is.  in  truth,  one  to  which  I  find 


then 
•  I  wcrii 

Nil  (h(, 
l>r('ii-4(. 
tiital 

(•ver 

uith 

WilS    f 

"III"  at 
idi-  of 
rril.ld 

hiiii(i. 
iR'iml 
i>llK'r',s 


W  A  C  O  i;  «  T  A  ;      OR,     T  II  K      I'  II  O  !•  11   K  C  Y 


91 


niy.=;(ilf  wliolly  iui'mjiihI.  IIhw  do  I  know  iliul.  cvlmi  hI  lliis  i  i  .nu'iit,  my  <lc- 
I'cncclcss,  tifrilit'd.  ni\i|  iimoci  iil  sisti-r  may  not  lie  iiivukiiij!;  lln'  iiniiii'  niiil  arm 
of  her  luotluT  V>  savi-  licr  IVum  ilc-tniclion. 

"'rrii>!  ill  l'rii\iili'ni'c.  Cliiirli'-.  Kviii  iiltluMiirli  our  worst  ajiiirclii'iisioiiN 
•lie.  rcalisL'i!,  a.s  I  It  rviiiUy  trust  tlicy  will  not.  your  >sislt'rniiu  lie  s|mr('il.  'I'lio 
("aiinili:iii  coiiM  not  liavr  Itccn  uniiiithrul,  or  «••  slioiiM  Icivc  Icirnt  siimctliinp; 
of  lii.-i  trcailii'i'v  I'rom  tlic  lii.liaus.  Aiintlui  v\t'<lv  will  tionliiiii  lis  in  tlio 
trutli  or  fallai-y  ol"  oiir  im|>rt'ssions.  I'litii  tlicn  let  lis  arm  oiir  hearts  witii 
lio]);',  'l'rii<l  mi',  we  shall  yet  sei-  tlic  laii^hin/  oyi-s  of  (Mara  (ill  with  tciirs 
of  HJltTtiou,  as  I  rei'oiint  to  her  all  ^ci'  too  st'iisilivc  and  loo  ilusponiliiif;  hro- 
tlier  has  snlleri'd  tor  lu-r  sake." 

Di-  llahhmar  nnvle  no  reply.  Ho  deeply  I'eli  the  kind  inleiition  of  his  rnp- 
tain,  hut  was  far  from  <'herisliin)j;  the  ho|,e  that  liad  heen  ri.'(!ommendwl. 
lie  siu:hed  heavily,  pressed  the  arm  on  whieli  he  leaned,  in  fjralitnde  for  the 
nil  live,  anil  luovetl  silently  wilii  his  friend  to  join  their  coinpuay  below  the 
ran  part. 


CIIAPTER  XV. 


jioor 


-Mka.nwiiii-e  the  white  flap  had  ajniin  been  raised  by  the  Indians  upon  tlic 
lioiiih-proof;  and  this  havinjr  l>eeii  readily  met  by  a  eorresjioiidin^^  sijunal  from 
the  fori,  a  numerous  band  of  savages  now  issued  from  th(!  cover  with  which 
their  dark  foi-ms  had  hitherto  been  iilenlilied,  and  spivad  themselves  far  and 
near  upon  the  common.  On  this  occasion  they  were  without  arms,  olfensivo 
or  flcfensive,  of  any  kind,  if  we  may  except  the  knife  which  was  always  car- 
ried at  the  pirdle,  and  which  constituted  a  part  rather  of  their  necessary  dress 
than  of  their  warlike  equipment.  These  warriors  minlit  have  been  about  live 
hundred  in  number,  and  were  composed  chiefly  of  picked  men  from  tlie  na- 
tions of  the  Ottawas,  tiie  Delawares,  and  the  Shawanees  ;  each  i;ue  })eing  dia- 
tinctl}'  reco}i:nisal)le  from  the  others  by  certain  j)ecnUarities  of  form  and  fear 
ture  which  individualised,  if  wo  may  so  term  it,  the  several  tribes.  Their 
only  covering  was  the  lep^'ng  before  described,  composed  in  some  instances 
of  cloth,  l)iit  principally  of  smoked  deerskin,  and  the  flap  that  passed  through 
the  girdle  around  the  loins,  by  which  the  straps  attaclied  to  the  leggings  were 
secured.  Their  bodies,  necks,  and  arms  were,  with  the  exception  of  a  few 
slight  ornaments,  entirely  nakefl ;  and  even  the  blanket,  that  served  them  as 
a  couch  by  night  and  a  ( overing  by  day,  had,  with  one  single  exception,  been 
dispensed  with,  apparently  with  a  view  to  avoid  anything  like  cncumbranco 
in  their  approacliing  sport.  Each  individual  was  provided  with  a  stout  sap- 
ling of  about  three  feet  in  length,  curved,  and  flattened  at  the  root  extremity, 
like  that  used  at  the  Irish  hurdle  ;  which  game,  in  fact,  the  manner  of  baU- 
playing  among  the  Indians  in  every  way  resembled. 

Interspersed  among  these  warriors  wore  a  nearly  cfjual  number  of  squaws. 
These  were  to  be  seen  lounging  carelessly  about  in  small  groTips,  and  were  of 
all  ages  ;  from  the  hoary -headed,  shrivelled-up  hag,  whose  e\  es  still  sparkled 
with  a  fire  that  her  lank  and  attenuated  frame  (lenied.  to  the  young  girl  of 
twelve,  whoso  dark  and  glowing  cheek,  rounded  bust,  and  penetrating  glance, 
bore  striking  evidence  of  the  precociousness  of  Indian  beauty.  These  latter 
looked  with  evi(l(>nt  in.,  rest  on  the  sports  of  the  young  warriors,  who.  throw- 
ing down  their  hurdles,  either  vied  with  each  other  in  the  short  but  incredibly 
swift  fool-race,  or  ind;i'  d  themselves  in  wrestling  and  leaping;  while  their 
companions  abandomd  to  the  full  security  they  felt  to  be  attached  to  the 
white  flag  v  .aviiiu'  on  the  ion,  lay  at  their  lazy  ]eii:;th  upon  the  sward,  osten- 
sibly followiii'i-  the  movements  of  the  several  competitors  ,n  these  sports,  but 
in  reality  nith  lieart  :m;l  ; ye  I'.irecteil  sol'ly  to  t'.ie  fortification  ''lat  lay  be- 


^^  » 


IMAGE  EVALUATION 
TEST  TARGET  (MT-3) 


1.0 


I.I 


11.25 


lll^ 


Lia2j8    |25 

Ui  Bi2    |2.2 

u   wm 


■i 


'W    ^ 


?. 


y^M 


/A 


Photographic 

Sciences 

Corporation 


33  WEST  MAIN  STREET 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  MSN 

(/I6)  S72-4S03 


<^ 


M 


^^^ 


%0 


4^ 


1 


'/I 


fta 


wacoosta;  or,  the  vrophkcy. 


yond.  Encli  of  thoHo  females,  in  addition  to  the  mache(  oti,  or  j»etti(!oat,  which 
in  ono  solid  Hnuaro  of  broad-cloth  was  tightly  wrapped  arotiiid  the  loins,  also 
carried  a  blanket  loosely  thrown  around  the  person,  but  closely  confined  over 
the  shoulders  in  front,  and  reaching  below  the  knee.  There  ras  an  air  of  con- 
straint in  their  movements,  which  accorded  ill  with  the  w  jasion  of  festivity  , 
for  which  they  were  assembled  ;  and  it  was  remarkable,  whether  it  arose  from 
deference  to  those  to  whom  they  were  slaves,  us  well  rv  wives  and  daufi^hters, 
or  from  whatever  other  cause  it  miftht  be,  none  of  them  ventured  to  recline 
themselves  upon  the  sward  in  imitation  of  the  warriors. 

When  it  had  been  made  known  to  the  governor  that  the  Indians  had  begun 
to  develope  themselves  in  force  upon  the  ^^nnnon  unarmed,  yet  redolent  with 
the  spirit  that  was  to  direct  their  meditated  sports,  the  soldiers  were  disniis'ied 
from  their  respective  companies  to  the  ramparts ;  where  they  were  now  to  bo 
seen,  not  drawn  up  in  formidable  and  hostile  array,  but  collected  togcllier  in 
careless  groups,  and  simply  in  their  side-arms.  This  reciprocation  of  con- 
fidence on  the  part  of  the  garrison  was  acknowle(lp:cd  I'}-  tlic  Indians  by 
marks  of  approbation,  expressed  as  much  by  the  sudden  nnd  classic  disiiosi- 
tion  of  their  fine  forms  into  attitudes  strikingly  ilhistrative  of  their  admiration 
and  pleasure,  as  by  the  interjectional  soimds  that  parsed  from  one  to  the  other 
of  the  throng.  Fi-om  the  increased  alacrity  witli  which  they  now  lent  *hem- 
selves  to  the  preparatory  and  inferior  amusements  qj'  the  day,  it  was  evident 
their  .<atisfaction  was  complete. 

Hitherto  the  principal  chiefs  had,  as  on  the  previous  occasion,  occupied  the 
bomb-proof;  and  now,  as  then,  they  appeared  to  be  deliberating  among  them- 
selves, but  evidently  in  a  more  energetic  and  serious  manner.  At  length  they 
separated,  when  Ponteac,  accompanied  by  the  chiels  who  had  attended  him 
on  the  former  day,  once  more  led  in  the  direction  of  the  fort.  The  moment 
of  his  advance  was  the  signal  for  the  commencement  of  the  principal  game. 
In  an  instant  those  of  the  warriora  who  lay  reclining  on  the  sward  sprang 
to  their  feet,  while  the  wrestlers  and  racers  resumed  their  hurdles,  and  prepar- 
ed themselves  for  the  trial  of  mingled  skill  and  swiftness.  At  first  they 
formed  a  dense  group  in  the  centre  of  the  common  ;  and  then,  diverging  in 
two  equal  files  both  to  the  right  and  to  the  left  of  the  immediate  centre, 
where  the  large  ball  was  placed,  formed  an  oiion  chain,  extending  from  the 
skirt  of  the  forest  to  the  commencement  of  the  village.  On  the  ono  side  were 
rangetl  the  Delawpres  and  Shawanees,  and  on  the  other  the  more  niimcrous 
nations  of  the  Oitdwas.  The  women  of  these  several  tribes,  apparently  much 
interested  in  the  issue  of  an  amusement  in  which  the  manliness  and  activity 
of  their  respective  friends  were  staked,  had  gradually  and  imperceptibly  gain- 
ed the  front  of  the  fort,  where  they  were  now  huddled  in  gT0U])s,  at  about 
twenty  paces  from  the  drawbridge,  and  bending  eagerly  forward  to  command 
the  movements  of  the  ball-players. 

In  his  circuit  round  the  walls,  Ponteac  was  .seen  to  remark  the  confiding 
appearance  of  the  unarmed  soldiery  with  a  satisfaction  that  was  not  sought 
to  be  disguised ;  and  from  the  manner  in  which  he  threw  his  glance  along 
each  face  of  the  rampart,  it  wa.s  evident  his  object  was  to  embrace  the  numeri- 
cal strength  collected  there.  It  was  moreover  observed,  when  he  pasred  the 
groups  of  squaws  on  his  way  to  the  gate,  he  addressed  some  words  in  a 
Strang*  tongue  to  the  elder  matrons  of  each. 

Once  more  the  dark  warriors  were  received  at  the  gate,  by  Major  Blackwater ; 
and,  as  with  firm  but  elastic  tread,  they  moved  across  the  square,  each  threw 
his  eyes  rapidly  and  anxiously  around,  and  with  less  of  concealment  in  his 
manner  than  had  been  manifested  on  the  former  occasion.  On  every  hand 
the  same  air  of  nakedness  and  desertion  met  their  gaze.  Not  even  a  soldier 
of  the  guard  was  to  be  seen ;  and  when  thev  c  ist  their  eyes  upwards  to  the 
windows  of  the  block-houses,  they  were  fouml  to  be  tcnantless  as  the  area 
through  which  they  passed.  A  gleam  of  fierce  satisfaction  pervaded  the 
swarthy  countenances  of  the  Indians ;  and  the  featiu'cs  of  Ponteac,  in  particular, 


WACOUeTA 


9R,    THE     PROPHECY. 


expressed  ilie  deepest  exultation.  Instead  of  leading  his  party,  he  now  brought 
up  the  rear ;  and  wiien  arrived  in  the  centre  of  the  fort,  he,  without  any  visi- 
ble cause  fur  the  accident,  stumbled,  and  fell  to  the  earth.  The  other  chiefe 
for  tliL  moment  lust  sij;;ht  of  their  ordinary  gravity,  and  marked  their  sense 
of  the  circumstance  by  a  ])rolonged  sound,  partaking  of  the  mingled  charac- 
ter of  a  laugh  and  a  yell.  Startled  at  the  cry,  Mtyor  Blackwatcr,  who  was  in 
front,  turned  to  ascertain  the  cause.  At  that  moment  Ponteac  sprang  lightly 
again  to  his  feet,  re:<pondiug  to  the  yell  of  his  confederates  by  another  even 
more  startling,  fierce,  and  prolonged  than  their  own.  lie  then  stalked  proud- 
ly to  tlkc  hejui  of  the  party,  and  even  preceded  Major  Llockwater  into  the 
council  room. 

In  this  rude  theatre  of  conference  some  changes  had  been  made  since  their 
recent  visit,  which  escaped  not  the  observation  of  the  quick-sighted  chiefs. 
Their  mats  lay  in  the  i)Osition  they  had  previously  occupied,  and  the  chairs 
of  the  olticers  were  placed  as  before,  but  the  room  itself  had  been  considerably 
enlarged.  The  slight  jjartitiun  terminating  the  interior  extremity  of  the 
mess-room,  and  dividing  it  from  that  of  one  of  the  officers,  had  been  removed ; 
and  luidwuy  tlirougli  tliis,  extending  entirely  across,  was  drawn  a  curtain  of 
scarlet  cloth,  against  which  the  iniposing  figure  of  the  governor,  elevated  as 
his  seat  was  above  those  of  the  other  officers,  was  thrown  into  strong  relief.. 
There  was  another  change,  that  escaped  not  the  observation  of  the  Indians, 
and  that  was,  nut  more  tnau  one  half  of  the  officers  who  had  been  present  at 
the  first  conference  were  now  in  the  room.  Of  these  latter,  one  had,  more- 
over, been  sent  avvaj-  by  (he  governor  the  moment  the  cluefs  were  ushered  in. 

•■  Ugh !"  ejaculated  the  proud  leader,  as  he  took  his  seat  unceremoniously, 
and  yet  not  without  reluctance,  upon  the  mat.  "  The  coimcil-room  of  my 
father,  is  bigger  than  when  the  Ottawa  was  here  before,  yet  the  number  of  his 
chiefs  is  not  so  many." 

'  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  knows  that  the  Saganawhas  promised  the 
red  skins  a  feast,"  returned  the  governor.  "  Were  ho  to  leave  it  to  his  3  oung 
warriors  to  provide  it,  lie  would  not  be  able  to  receive  the  Ottawa  Uke  a  great 
chief,  and  to  make  i)eac(!  with  him  as  he  coidd  wish." 

''  My  father  has  a  gieat  deal  of  cloth,  rad,  hke  the  blood  of  a  pale  face," 
pursued  the  Indian,  rather  in  demand  than  in  observation,  as  he  pointed  with 
his  finger  to  the  opposite  end  of  the  room.  "  When  the  Ottawa  was  here  last, 
he  did  not  see  it." 

'•  The  great  chief  of  the  OtUwas  knows  that  the  great  father  of  the  Saga- 
naw  has  a  big  heart  to  make  presents  to  the  red  skins.  The  cloth  the 
Ottawa  sees  there  is  sufficient  to  make  leggings  for  the  chiefs  of  all  the  na- 
tions.'' 

Apparently  satisfied  with  this  reply,  the  fierce  Indian  uttered  one  of  his 
strong  guttural  and  a.«scntient  "  ughs,"  and  then  commenced  filling  the  pipe 
of  jxiace,  correct  on  the  i)resent  occasion  in  all  its  ornaments,  which  was 
handed  to  him  by  tlie  Delaware  chief.  It  was  remarked  by  the  officers  this 
operation  took  uj)  an  unusually  long  portion  of  his  time,  and  that  he  frequently 
turned  his  ear,  like  a  horse  stirred  by  the  huntsman's  honi,  with  quick  and 
irrepressible  eagerness  towards  the  door. 

'•  The  pale  warrior,  the  friend  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  is  not  here,"  said  the 
governor,  as  he  glanced  his  eye  along  the  semicircle  of  Tndians.  "  How  is 
this  ?  Is  his  voice  still  sick,  that  he  cannot  come ;  or  has  the  great  chief  of 
the  Ottawas  forgotten  to  tell  him?" 

■'  The  voice  of  the  pale  warrior  is  still  sick,  and  he  cannot  speak,"  replied 
the  Indian.  "  The  Ottawa  chief  is  very  sorry ;  for  the  tongue  of  his  friend 
the  pale  face  is  full  of  wisdom." 

Scarcely  had  the  last  words  escaped  his  lies,  when  a  wild  shrill  cry  from 
without  the  fort  rang  on  the  ears  of  the  assembled  council,  and  caused  a  mo- 
mentary commotion  aiiionc,  tlii;  ollicers.  It  arose  from  a  single  voice,  and  that 
voice  Goul'l  not  be  mistake.)  l)v  siiiy  who  had  heard  it  once  licfore.    A  secopd 


•4 


wacovsta;  or,  the  prophecy, 


or  two,  during  whioh  the  officers  and  chiefs  kept  their  eyes  intently  fixed  on 
each  otiier,  passed  anxiously  away,  and  then  nearer  to  the  gate,  apparently 
on  the  very  drawbridge  itself,  was  pealed  forth  the  wild  and  deafening  yell  of 
a  legion  of  devilish  voiees.  At  that  sonnd,  the  Ottawa  and  the  other  chiefs 
8't>rang  to  their  feet,  and  their  own  fierce  cry  responded  to  that  yet  vibrating 
on  the  ears  of  all.  Already  were  their  gleaming  tomahawks  brandished 
wildly  over  their  heads,  and  Ponteac  had  even  bounded  a  puce  forward  to 
reach  the  governor  with  the  deadly  weapon,  when  at  the  sudden  stamping  of 
the  foot  of  the  latter  upon  the  floor,  the  scarlet  cloth  in  the  rear  was  thrown 
aside,  and  twenty  soldiers,  their  eyes  glancing  along  the  barrels  of  their 
levelled  muskets,  met  the  startled  gaze  of  the  astonished  Indians. 

An  instant  was  enough  to  satisfy  the  keen  chief  of  the  true  state  of  the  case. 
The  calm  composed  mien  of  the  officers,  not  one  of  whom  had  even  attempted 
to  quit  his  seat,  amid  the  din  by  which  his  ears  wore  so  alarmingly  assailed, — 
the  triumphant,  yet  dignified,  and  even  severe  expression  of  the  govenor's 
countenance ;  and  above  allj  the  unexpected  presence  of  the  prepared  soldiery, — 
all  these  at  once  assured  him  of  the  di,;covcry  of  his  treachery,  and  the  danger 
that  awaited  him.  The  necessity  for  an  immediate  attempt  to  join  his  war- 
riors without,  was  now  obvious  to  the  C:.ta\va ;  and  scarcely  had  he  conceived 
the  idea  before  it  was  sought  to  be  executed.  In  a  single  spring  he  gained 
the  door  of  the  mess-room,  and,  followed  eagerly  and  tumultuously  by  the 
other  chiefs,  to  whose  departure  no  opposition  was  offered,  in  the  next  moment 
stood  on  the  steps  of  the  piazaa  that  ran  along  the  front  of  the  building 
whence  he  had  issued. 

The  surprise  of  the  Indians  on  reaching  this  point  was  now  too  powerful  to 
be  dissembled ;  and,  incapable  either  ol'  advancing  or  receding,  they  remained 
gazing  on  the  scene  before  them  with  an  air  of  mingled  stupefaction,  rage,  and 
alarm.  Scarctly  ten  mintites  had  elapsed  since  they  had  proudly  strode 
through  the  naked  area  of  the  f«rt,  and  yet,  even  in  that  short  space  of  time, 
its  appearance  had  been  entirely  changed.  Not  a  part  was  there  now  of  the 
surrounding  buildings  that  was  not  redolent  with  human  life,  and  hostile 
preparation.  Through  every  v/indow  of  the  officers'  low  rooms,  was  to  be 
men  the  dark  and  frowning  muzzle  of  a  field-piece,  bearing  upon  the  gateway ; 
and  behind  those  were  artillerymen,  holding  then*  lighted  matches,  supported 
agiun  by  files  of  bayonets,  that  glittered  in  their  rear.  In  the  block-houses 
the  same  formidable  array  of  field-pieces  and  nmskets  was  visible  ;  while  from 
the  four  angles  of  the  square,  as  many  heavy  guns,  that  had  been  artfully 
masked  at  the  entrance  of  the  chiefs,  seemed  ready  to  sweep  away  every  thing 
that  should  come  before  them.  The  guard-room  near  the  gate  presented  the 
same  hostile  front.  The  doors  of  this,  as  well  as  of  the  other  buildings,  .ud 
been  firmly  secured  within ;  but  from  every  window  affording  cover  to  the 
troops,  gleamed  a  line  of  bayonets  rising  above  the  threatening  field-pieces, 
pointed,  at  a  distance  of  little  more  than  twelve  feet,  directly  upon  the  gate- 
way. In  addition  to  his  musket,  each  man  of  the  guard  moreover  held  a  hand 
grenade,  provided  with  a  short  fuze  that  could  be  ignited  in  a  njoment  from 
the  matches  of  the  gunners,  and  with  immediate  effect.  The  soldiers  in  the 
block-houses  were  similarly  provided. 

Almost  magical  as  was  the  change  thus  suddenly  effected  in  the  appearance 
of  the  garrison,  it  was  not  the  most  interesting  feature  in  the  exciting  scene. 
Choking  up  the  gateway,  in  which  they  were  completely  wedged,  and  crowd- 
ing the  drawbridge,  a  dense  mass  of  dusky  Indians  were  to  be  seen  casting 
their  fierce  glances  around ;  yet  paralysed  in  their  nioveraentti  by  the  unlooked- 
for  display  of  a  resisting  force,  threatening  instant  annihilation  to  those  who 
should  attempt  either  to  advance  or  to  recede.  Never,  perhaps,  was  astonish- 
ment and  disappointment  more  forcibly  depicted  on  the  human  countenance, 
than  as  they  wt^re  now  exhibited  by  these  men,  who  had  already,  in  imagina- 
tion, secured  to  themselves  an  easy  conquest.  They  were  the  warriors  wh.o 
had  so  recently  been  engaged  in  the  manly  yet  innocent  exercise  of  the  ball  j 


waoovsta;  or,  the  prophecy. 


§5 


to  the 

pieces, 
le  gate- 

a  hand 
tit  from 

in  the 

)earance 
scene, 
crowd- 
casting 
looked- 
)se  who 
tonish- 
cnance, 
lajrina- 
rs  who 
ic  ball ; 


bnt,  instead  of  .he  harmless  hurdle,  each  now  carried  a  short  gun  in  one  hand 
and  a  gleaming  tomahawk  in  the  other.  After  the  first  general  3'elling  heard 
in  the  council-room  not  a  sound  was  utteretl.  Thsir  burst  of  mge  apd 
triumph  had  evidently  been  checked  by  the  uue.\pcfltod  manner  of  their 
reception,  and  they  now  stood  on  tlie  spot  on  which  the  further  advance  of 
each  had  been  arrested,  su  silent  and  motionless,  that,  but  for  the  rolling  of 
their  dark  eyes,  as  they  keenly  measured  the  insurmountable  barriers  that 
were  opposed  to  their  progress,  they  might  almost  have  been  taken  for  a  wild 
group  of  statuary. 

Conspicuous  at  the  head  of  these  was  he  who  wore  the  blanket ;  a  tall  war- 
rior, on  whom  rested  the  startled  eye  of  every  officer  and  soldier  who  was  so 
situated  as  to  behold  him.  His  face  was  pamted  black  as  death ;  and  as  he 
stood  under  the  arch  of  the  gateway,  with  his  white  turbaned  head  towering 
far  above  those  of  his  companions,  this  formidable  and  mysterious  enemy 
might  have  been  likened  to  the  spirit  of  darkness  presiding  over  his  terrible 
legions. 

In  order  to  account  for  the  extraordinary  appearance  of  the  Indians,  armed 
in  every  way  for  death,  at  a  moment  when  neither  gim  nor  tomahawk  was 
apparently  within  miles  of  their  reach,  it  will  be  necessary  to  revert  to  the 
first  entrance  of  the  chiefs  into  the  fort.  The  fall  of  Ponteac  had  been  the 
effect  of  design ;  ajid  the,yell  pealed  forth  by  him,  on  recovering  his  feet,  as 
if  in  taunting  reply  to  the  laugh  of  his  comrades,  was  in  reality  a  signal  in- 
tended for  the  guidance  of  the  Indians  without.  These,  now  following  up 
their  game  with  increasing  spirit,  at  once  chany,ed  the  direction  of  their  line, 
bringing  the  ball  nearer  to  the  fort.  In  their  eagerness  to  effect  this  object, 
thej'  had  overlooked  the  gradual  secession  of  the  unarmed  troops,  spectators 
of  their  sport,  from  tlie  ramparts,  until  scai-cely  more  than  twenty  stragglers 
were  left.  As  they  neared  the  gate,  the  squaws  broke  up  their  sevorrfl  groups, 
and,  forming  a  line  on  either  hand  of  the  road  leading  to  the  drawbridge,  ap- 
peared to  separate  solely  with  a  view  not  to  impede  the  action  of  the  players. 
For  an  instant  a  dense  group  collected  around  the  ball,  which  had  been  driven 
to  within  a  hundred  3'a«is  of  the  gate,  and  fifty  hurdles  were  crossed  in  their 
endeavors  to  secure  it,  when  the  warrior,  who  formed  the  solitary  exception 
to  the  multitude,  in  his  blanket  covering,  and  who  had  been  lingering  in  the 
extreme  rear  of  the  partj',  came  rapidly  up  to  the  spot  where  the  well-affected 
struggle  was  maintained.  At  his  approach,  the  hurdles  of  the  other  players 
were  withdrawn,  when,  at  a  single  blow  of  his  powerful  arm,  the  ball  was 
seen  flying  into  the  air  in  an  oblique  direction,  and  was  for  a  moment  lost  al- 
together to  tlie  view.  When  it  again  met  the  eye,  it  was  descending  perpen- 
dicularly into  the  very  centre  of  the  fort. 

With  the  fleetHess  of  thought  now  commenced  a  race  that  had  ostensibly 
for  its  object  the  recovery  of  the  lost  ball ;  and  in  which,  he  who  had  driven 
it  with  such  resistless  force,  outstripped  them  all.  Their  course  '  /  between 
the  two  lines  of  squaws  ;  and  scarcely  had  the  heads  of  the  boundmg  Indians 
reached  the  opposite  extremity  of  those  lines,  v,-hen  the  women  suddenly 
threw  back  their  blankets,  and  disclosed  each  a  short  gun  and  a  tomahawk. 
To  throw  away  their  hurdles  and  seize  upon  these,  was  the  work  of  an  in- 
stant. Already,  in  imagination,  was  the  fort  their  oV\ti  ;  and,  such  was  the 
peculiar  exultation  of  the  black  and  turbaned  warrior,  when  he  felt  the  planks 
o(  the  drawbridge  bending  beneath  his  feet,  all  the  ferocious  joy  of  his  soul 
was  pealed  forth  in  the  terrible  cry  which,  rapidly  succeeded  by  that  of  the 
other  Indians,  had  resounded  so  fearfully  through  the  council  room.  What 
their  dis-.ppointment  was,  when,  on  giiining  the  interior,  they  found  the  garri- 
son prepared  for  their  reception,  has  already  been  shown. 

"  Secure  that  traitor,  men !"  exclaimed  the  governor,  advancing  into  the 
square,  and  pointing  to  the  black  warrior,  whose  quick  eye  was  now  glancing 
on  every  side,  to  discover  some  assailable  point  in  the  formidable  defences  of 
the  troops. 


96 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


A  laugh  of  scorn  and  derision  escaped  the  lips  of  the  wanior.  "  Id  there  a 
man — are  there  any  ten  men,  even  with  Governor  de  Haldimar  at  their  he»d, 
who  will  be  bold  enough  to  attempt  it  ?"  he  askcil.  '•  Nay !"  he  pursued, 
stepping  boldly  a  pace  or  two  in  front  of  the  wondering  savages, — "  here  1 
stand  singly,  and  defy  your  whole  garrison !" 

A  sudden  movement  among  the  soldiers  in  the  guard-room  announced  they 
were  preparing  to  execute  the  order  of  their  chief.  The  eye  of  the  black 
warrior  sparkled  with  ferocious  pleasure  ;  and  he  made  a  gesture  to  his  fol- 
lowersj  which  was  replied  to  by  the  sudden  tension  of  their  liitherto  relaxed 
forms  mto  attitudes  of  expectance  and  preparation. 

"  Stay,  men ;  quit  not  your  cover  for  your  lives  !"  commanded  the  governor, 
in  a  loud  deep  voice : — "  keep  the  barricades  fast,  and  move  not." 

A  cloud  of  anger  and  disappointment  passed  over  the  features  of  the  black 
warrior.  It  was  evident  the  object  of  his  bravado  was  to  draw  the  troops 
fro|m  their  defences,  that  they  might  be  so  mingled  with  their  enemies  as  to 
render  the  cannon  useless,  unless  friends  and  foes  Twliich  wns  by  no  means 
probable)  should  alike  be  sacrificed.  The  governor  liad  penetrated  the  design 
in  time  to  prevent  the  mischief. 

In  a  moment  of  uncontrollable  rage,  the  savage  wan-ior  aimed  liis  tomahawk 
at  the  head  of  the  governor.  The  latter  stepped  lightly  aside,  and  the  steel 
sank  with  such  force  into  one  of  the  posts  supporting  the  piazza,  that  the 
quivering  handle  snapped  close  off  at  its  head.  At  that  moment,  a  single  shot, 
fired  from  the  guard-house,  was  drowned  in  the  yell  of  approbation  wliich 
burst  from  the  lips  of  the  dark  crowd.  The  turban  of  the  warrior  was,  how- 
ever, seen  flying  through  the  air,  carried  away  by  the  force  of  the  bullet  which 
had  torn  it  from  his  head.     lie  himself  was  unhaimed. 

"  A  narrow  escape  for  us  both,  Colonel  de  Haldimar,"  he  observed,  as  soon 
as  the  yell  had  subsided,  and  with  an  air  of  the  most  perfect  imconcem. 
"  Had  my  tomahawk  obeyed  thd  first  impulse  of  my  heart,  I  should  have 
ciu'scd  myself  and  died :  as  it  is,  I  have  reason  to  avoid  all  useless  exposure 
of  my  own  life,  at  present.  A  second  bullet  may  be  better  directed  ;  and  to 
<lie,  robbed  of  my  rc'-enge,  wou'd  ill  answer  the  pm'pose  oi  a  life  devoted  to  its 
attainment.    Remember  my  pledge !" 

At  the  hasty  command  of  the  governor,  a  hundi-ed  muskets  were  raised  to 
the  shoulders  of  his  men ;  but,  Ijefore  a  single  eye  could  glance  along  the  bar- 
rel, the  formidable  and  active  warrior  had  bounded  over  the  heads  of  the  near- 
est Indians  into  a  small  space  that  was  left  unoccupied;  when,  stooping  sud- 
denly to  the  earth,  he  disappeared  altogether  from  the  view  of  his  enemies. 
A  sUght  moving  in  the  centre  of  the  numerous  band  crowding  the  gateway,  and 
extending  even  beyond  the  bridge,  was  now  discernible :  it  was  like  the  waving 
of  a  tield  of  standing  corn,  through  which  some  animal  rapidly  winds  its  tor- 
tuous comse,  bending  aside  as  the  object  advances,  and  closing  again  when  it 
has  passed.  After  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  the  terrible  warrior  was  seen  to 
spring  again  to  his  feet,  far  in  the  rear  of  the  band ;  and  then,  uttering  a  fierce 
shout  of  exiiltation,  to  make  good  his  retreat  towards  the  forest. 

Meanwhile,  Ponteac  and  the  other  chiefs  of  the  council  continued  rooted  to 
the  piazza  on  which  they  had  rushed  at  the  unexpected  display  of  the  anued 
men  behind  the  scarlet  curtain.  The  loud  '•  Waugh  "  that  burst  from  the  lips 
of  all,  on  finding  themselves  thus  foiled  in  their  schemes  of  massacre,  had  been 
succeeded,  the  instant  afterwards,  by  feelings  of  personal  apprehension,  which 
each,  however,  had  collectcdness  enough  to  disguise.  Once  the  Ottawa  made 
a  movement  as  if  he  would  have  cleared  the  space  that  kept  him  from  his  war- 
riors ;  but  the  emphatical  pointing  of  the  finger  of  Colonel  de  Haldimar  to  the 
levelled  muskets  of  the  men  in  the  block-houses  prevented  him,  and  the  at- 
tempt was  not  repeated.  It  was  remarked  bj'  the  ofiiccrs.  who  also  stood  on 
the  piazza,  close  behind  the  chiefs,  when  the  black  warrior  threw  his  toma- 
hawk at  the  governor,  a  shade  of  displeasure  ])assed  over  tlie  features  of  the 
Ottawa ;  and  that,  when  he  found  tlie  daring  attempt  was  not  retaliated  on 


W  A  C  0  IJ  8  T  A  i 


u  i; 


T  HE      !•  11  O  P  11  E  C  Y  . 


07 


oma- 

the 

on 


his  pouple,  his  coimtcnunuo  had  bceu  inoinuntarily  lighted  up  ivith  a  satisfied 
exprcHsiou,  apparently  marking  his  sense  of  forbearance  so  iinexpcctedlj' 
flhoirn. 

"  What  says  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  now  ?"  asked  the  governor, 
calmly,  and  breaking  a  profound  silence  that  had  succeeded  to  the  last  fierce 
yell  of  the  formidable  being  just  departed.  "  Was  the  Saganaw  not  right, 
when  he  said  the  Ottawa  came  with  guile  in  his  heart,  and  a  lie  upon  his  lips? 
Bat  the  Saganaw  is  not  a  fool,  and  he  can  read  the  thoughts  of  his  enemies 
upon  their  faces,  and  long  before  then-  lips  have  spoken." 

"  Ugh !"  ejaculated  the  Indian ;  "  my  father  is  a  great  chief,  and  hiti  head  is 
full  of  wisdom.  Had  he  been  feeble,  like  the  other  chiefs  of  the  Saganaw,  the 
stronghold  of  the  Detroit  must  have  fallen,  and  the  red  skins  would  nave 
danced  theii  war  dance  round  the  scalps  of  his  young  men,  even  in  the  council 
room  where  they  came  to  talk  of  peace." 

"  Does  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  see  the  big  thunder  of  the  Saganaw?" 
pursued  the  governor :  "  if  not,  let  him  open  his  eyes  and  look.  The  Saganaw 
has  but  to  move  his  lips,  and  swifter  than  ^he  lightning  would  the  pale  faces 
sweep  away  the  warriors  of  the  Ottawa,  even  where  they  now  stand :  in  less 
time  than  the  Saganaw  is  now  speaking,  would  they  mow  them  down  like  the 
grass  of  the  prairie." 

*'  Ugh !"  again  exclaimed  the  chief,  with  mixed  doggedness  and  fierceness : 
'*  if  what  my  father  says  is  true,  why  does  he  not  pour  out  his  anger  upon  the 
red  skins  ?" 

"  Let  the  groat  chief  of  the  Ottawas  listen,"  replied  the  governor  with  dig- 
nity. "  When  the  great  chiefs  of  all  the  nations  that  are  in  league  with  the 
Ottawas  came  last  to  the  council,  the  Saganaw  knew  that  they  carried  deceit  in 
their  hearts,  and  that  they  never  meant  to  smoke  the  pipe  of  peace,  or  to  bury 
the  hatchet  in  the  ground.  The  Saganaw  might  have  kept  them  prisoners, 
that  their  warriors  might  be  without  a  head ;  but  ho  had  given  his  word  to 
the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  and  the  word  of  a  SaganaW  is  never  broken. 
Even  now,  while  both  the  chiefs  and  the  warriors  are  in  his  power,  he  will  not 
slay  them,  for  he  wishes  to  show  the  Ottawa  the  desire  of  the  Saganaw  is  to 
be  friendly  with  the  red  skins,  and  not  to  destroy  them.  Wicked  men  from 
the  Canadas  have  whispered  lies  in  the  ear  of  the  Ottawa ;  but  a  great  chief 
should  judge  for  himself,  and  take  council  only  from  the  wisdom  of  his  own 
heart.  The  Ottawa  and  his  warriors  may  go,"  he  resumed  after  a  short  pause; 
"  the  path  by  wliich  they  came  is  again  open  to  them.  Let  theui  depart  in 
peace  ;  the  big  thunder  of  the  Saganaw  shall  not  harm  them." 

The  countenance  of  the  Indian,  who  had  clearly  seen  the  danger  of  his  posi- 
tion, wore  an  expression  of  surprise  which  could  not  be  dissembled ;  low  ex- 
clamations passed  between  him  and  his  companions ;  and,  then  pointing  to  the 
tomahawk  that  lay  half  buried  in  the  wood,  he  said,  doubtingly, — 

"  It  was  the  pnlc  face,  the  friend  of  the  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas,  who 
struck  the  hatchet  at  my  father.  The  Ottawa  i.s  not  a  fool  to  believe  the 
Soganaw  can  sleep  without  revenge." 

"  The  great  chief  of  the  Ottawas  shall  know  us  better,"  was  the  reply. 
"  The  young  warriors  of  the  Saganaw  might  destroy  their  enemies  where  they 
now  stand,  but  they  seek  not  their  blood.  ^71ien  the  Ottawa  chief  takes 
council  from  his  own  heart,  and  not  from  the  lips  of  a  cowardly  dog  of  a  pale 
face,  who  strikes  his  tomahawk  and  then  Hies,  his  wisdom  will  tell  him  to 
make  peace  with  the  Saganaw,  whose  warriors  are  without  treachery,  even  as 
they  are  without  fear." 

Another  of  those  deep  interjectional  ''  ughs  "  escaped  the  c»hc.st  of  the  proud 
Indian. 

"  What  my  father  says  is  good,"  he  returned  ;  "  but  the  pale  face  is.a  great 
warrior,  and  the  Ottawa  chief  is  his  friend.     The  Ottawa  will  go." 

He  then  addressed  a  lev.'  sentences,  in  a  tongue  unknown  to  the  officers,  to  the 
swarthy  and  anxious  crowd  in  front.    These  were  answered  bv  a  low.  sullen. 

7 


98 


waooubta;    or,    the    pruphecy. 


jet  assentiont  grunt,  from  the  unit(Kl  band,  who  now  turnwl,  though  with'juji- 
tifiable  caution  and  dintruBt,  and  rocrossed  the  drawbridge  without  hiuderanoe 
from  the  troops.  Ponteac  waitwl  until  the  last  Indian  had  departed,  and  then 
making  a  movement  to  the  governor,  which,  with  all  its  haughtiness,  was 
meant  to  mark  his  sense  of  the  forbearance  and  good  faith  that  had  been  mani- 
fested, once  more  stalked  proudly  and  c«mly  across  the  area,  followed  by  the 
remainder  of  tho  chiefs.  The  officers  who  were  with  the  governor  ascended 
to  the  ramparts,  to  follow  their  movements ;  and  it  was  not  before  their  report 
had  been  made  that  the  Indians  were  immerging  once  more  into  the  heart  of 
the  forest,  the  troops  were  withdrawn  from  their  formidable  defences,  and  the 
gate  of  the  fort  again  firmly  secured. 


,     CHAPTER  XVI. 

While  the  reader  is  left  to  pause  over  tho  rapid  snccession  of  incidents 
resulting  from  the  mysterious  entrance  of  the  wan-ior  of  the  Flcur  de  Lis  into 
the  English  fort,  be  it  our  task  to  explain  the  circumstances  connected  with 
the  singular  disappearance  of  Captain  de  Haldimar,  and  /the  melancholy  mur- 
der of  his  unfortunate  servant. 

It  will  be  recollected  that  the  ill-fated  Halloway,  in  the  course  of  hi«  de- 
fence before  the  court  martial  distinctly  stated  the  voice  of  the  individual  who 
had  approached  hia  post,  calling  on  tho  name  of  Captain  de  Haldimar,  on  the 
night  of  the  alarm,  tp  have  been  that  of  a  female,  and  that  the  language  in 
which  they  subsequently  conversed  was  that  of  the  Ottawa  Indians.  This 
wns  strictly  the  fact ;  and  tho  only  error  into  which  the  unfortunate  soldier 
had  fallen,  had  reference  merely  to  the  character  and  motives  of  the  party. 
He  hod  naturally  imagined,  as  he  had  stated,  it  was  some  young  female  of  the 
village,  whom  attachment  for  his  officer  had  driven  to  the  desperate  determi- 
nation of  seeking  an  interview ;  nor  was  this  impression  at  all  weakened  by 
the  subsequent  discourse  of  the  parties  in  the  Indian  tongue,  with  which  it 
was  well  known,  most  of  the  Cana<lians,  both  male  and  female,  were  more  or 
less  conversant.  The  object  of  that  short,  low,  and  hurried  conference  was, 
indeed,  one  that  well  warranted  the  singular  intnision ;  and,  in  the  declara- 
tion of  Halloway,  we  have  already  seen  the  importance  and  anxiety  attached 
by  the  young  officer  to  the  communication.  Without  waiting  to  repeat  the 
motives  assigned  for  his  departure,  and  the  prayers  and  expostidations  to 
which  hs  had  recourse  to  overcome  the  determination  and  sense  of  duty  of  the 
unfortunate  sentinel,  let  us  pass  at  once  to  the  moment  when,  after  having 
cleared  the  ditch,  conjointly  with  his  faithful  follower,  in  the  manner  alreadjf 
shown,  Captain  do  Haldimar  first  stood  side  by  side  with  his  midnight  visi- 
tant. 

The  night,  it  has  elsewhere  been  observed,  was  clear  and  starry,  so  that  ob- 
jects upon  the  common,  such  as  the  rude  stump  that  here  and  there  raise<l  its 
dark  low  head  above  the  surface,  might  be  dimly  seen  in  the  distance.  To 
obviate  the  danger  of  discovery  by  the  sentinels,  appeared  to  be  the  first  study 
of  the  female ;  for,  when  Captain  de  Haldimar,  followed  by  his  servant,  had 
reached  the  spot  on  which  she  stood,  she  put  the  forefinger  of  one  hand  to  her 
lips,  and  with  the  other  pointed  to  his  booted  foot.  A  corresponding  signal 
showed  that  the  lightness  of  the  material  offered  little  risk  of  betrayal.  Do- 
nellan,  however,  was  made  to  doff  his  heavy  .ammunition  shoes ;  and,  with 
this  precaution,  they  all  stole  hastily  alonpr,  under  the  shadows  of  the  project- 
ing ramparts,  until  they  had  pained  the  extreme  rear.  Here  the  female  sud- 
denly raised  her  tall  figure  from  the  stooping  position  in  which  she.  as  well  as 
her  companions,  had  purfornied  the  dangerous  circuit ;  and.  placing  her  finger 
once  more  significantly  on  her  lips,  led  in  the  direction  of  the  bomlvproof,  un- 


waoousta;    or,   the   propheuy, 


9» 


peroeived  by  the  sentinelH,  most  of  whom,  it  is  probable,  had,  up  to  the  mo> 
luont  of  the  alarm  subsequently  kivcii,  been  too  much  overcome  by  previous 
watching  and  excitement  to  hare  kept  the  most  vigilant  look  out. 

Arrived  at  the  skirt  of  the  forest,  the  little  party  drew  up  within  the  shi^ 
dow  of  the  ruin,  and  a  short  and  earnest  dialogue  ensued,  in  Indian,  betwecp 
the  female  and  the  officer.  This  was  Hucccudod  by  a  command  from  the  lat- 
ter to  his  servant,  who,  after  a  momentary  but  respectful  expostulation,  which, 
however,  was  utterly  lost  on  him  to  whom  it  was  addressed,  proceeded  to  di» 
vest  himself  of  his  humble  apparel,  assuming  in  exchange  the  more  elegant 
uniform  of  his  superior.  Donellan,  who  was  also  of  the  grenadiers^  was  re- 
markable for  the  resemblance  he  bore,  in  %ure,  to  Captain  do  IlaldimiU' ; 
wanting,  it  is  true,  the  grace  and  freedom  of  movement  of  the  latter,  but  still 
presenting  an  outline  wliich,  in  an  attitude  of  profound  repose,  might,  as  it 
subsequently  did,  have  set  oven  those  who  were  most  Ultimate  with  the  officer 
at  fault. 

"  This  is  well,"  observed  the  female,  as  the  young  man  proceeded  to  induct 
himself  in  the  grey  coat  of  his  servant,  having  previously  drawn  the  glazed 
hat  close  over  his  waving  and  redundant  hair  ;  *'  if  the  Saganaw  is  ready,  Qu- 
oanasta  will  go." 

"  Sure,  and  your  honor  does  not  mane  to  lave  me  behind  !"  exclaimed  the 
anxious  soldier,  as  his  captain  now  recommended  him  to  stand  close  concealed 
near  the  ruin  until  his  return.  "  Who  knows  what  ambuscade  the  she-ditrfl 
may  lead  your  honor  into ;  and  thin  who  will  you  have  to  bring  you  out 
of  it?» 

"  No,  Donellan,  it  must  not  be :  I  first  intended  it,  as  you  may  perceive  by 
my  bringing  you  out ;  but  the  expedition  on  which  I  am  going  is  of  the  ut- 
most importance  to  us  all,  and  too  much  precaution  cannot  be  taken.  I  fear 
no  ambuscade,  for  I  can  depend  on  the  fidelity  of  my  guide  ;  but  the  presence 
of  a  third  person  would  only  embarrass,  without  assisting  me  in  the  least. 
You  must  remain  behind ;  the  woman  insists  upon  it,  and  there  is  no  more  to 
be  said." 

"  To  ould  Nick  with  the  ugly  witch,  for  her  pains  ! "  half  muttered  the  dis- 
appointed soldier  to  himself.  ''  1  wish  it  may  bo  as  your  honor  says  ;  but  my 
mind  misgives  mo  sadly  that  evil  will  come  of  tliis.  Has  your  honor  secured 
the  pistols  ?" 

"  They  are  here,"  returned  his  captain,  placing  a  hand  on  either  chest. 
"  And  now,  Donellan,  mark  me :  I  know  nothing  that  can  detain  me  longer 
than  an  hour ;  at  least  the  woman  assures  me,  and  1  believe  her,  that  I  may 
be  back  then ;  but  it  is  well  to  guard  against  accidents.  You  must  continue 
here  for  the  hour,  and  for  the  hour  only.  If  [  (!ome  not  then,  return  to  the 
fort  without  delay,  for  the  rope  must  be  removed,  and  the  gate  secured  before 
Halloway  is  relieved.  The  keys  you  will  find  in  the  pocket  of  my  uniform : 
when  you  have  done  with  them,  let  thorn  be  hung  up  in  their  proper  place  ia 
the  guard-room.  My  father  must  not  know  either  that  Halloway  suffered 
me  to  pass  the  gate,  or  that  you  accompanied  me." 

"  Lord  love  us  1  your  honor  talks  as  if  you  would  niver  return,  giving  such 
a  heap  of  orders  ! "  exclaimed  the  startled  man  ;  "  but  if  I  go  back  alone,  as 
I  trust  in  heaven  I  shall  not,  how  am  I  to  account  for  being  dressed  in  your 
honor's  regimentals  ?" 

"  I  tell  you,  Donellan,"  impatiently  returned  the  officer,  "  that  I  shall  be 
back ;  but  I  only  wish  to  guard  against  accidents.  The  instant  you  get  into 
the  fort,  you  will  take  off  my  clothes  and  resume  your  own.  Who  the  devil 
is  to  see  you  in  the  uniform,  unless  it  be  Halloway  ?" 

"  If  the  Saganaw  would  not  see  the  earth  red  with  the  blood  of  his  race, 
he  will  go,"  interrupted  the  female.  "  Oucanasta  can  feel  the  breath  of  the 
morning  fresh  upon  her  cheek,  and  the  council  of  the  chiefs  must  be  begun." 

"  The  Saganaw  is  ready,  and  Oucanasta  shall  load  the  way,"  hastily  returned 
the  officer.    "  One  word  more,  Donellan,"  and  he  pressed  the  hand  of  his  do- 


I«> 


W  A  C  O  V  B  T  A 


OR,     TlIK     PROPHSOY. 


mefitic  kiiully :  "Hhouldlnot  return,  yoii  niiiNt,  without  rommitting  Hallo- 
wijy  or  yourself,  ciiuse  iny  li\thcr  to  ho  HpprJHcd  that  the  Indians  nii^ditato  a 
dtH!|)  Hnd  Irunuhurous  ]ilun  to  gut  posscsHion  of  the  fort.  What  thitt  plan  \n. 
I  know  not  yt^t  niywelf,  neither  does  this  woman  know  ;  hut  she  says  1  shall 
hear  it  dlHcnsscd  unseen,  even  in  the  heart  of  their  own  encanipnienl.  All 
you  liavc  to  do  is  to  acquaint  my  father  with  the  existence  of  danger.  And 
now  be  cautious:  above  all  things,  keep  close  under  the  shadow  of  t lie  lioml)- 
proof ;  for  there  are  scouts  constantly  jwowling  about  the  common,  and  the 
glitteiing  of  the  imifonn  in  the  starlight  niav  betray  you." 

"  But  why  may  I  not  follow  your  honor  ?''  again  urged  the  faithful  soldier  ; 
"and  where  is  the  use  of  my  remaining  here  to  count  the  stars,  and  hear  the 
'all's  well !'  irom  the  fort,  when  I  could  be  so  much  better  employed  in  guard- 
ing your  honor  IVoin  harm?  What  sort  of  protection  can  that  Ingian  woman 
afford,  wiio  is  oi'  the  race  of  our  bitterest  enemies,  them  cursed  Ottawas,  and 
yom*  honor  venturing,  loo,  like  a  sj)y  into  the  very  heart  of  the  blood-liounds  1 
Ah,  Oiiptitin  de  llaldimar.  for  the  love  of  (»od,  do  not  trust  yourself  alone 
with  her,  or  f  am  sin-o  I  shall  never  see  your  honor  again  !" 

The  last  words  (unhappily  too  prophetic)  fell  only  on  the  ear  of  him  who 
uttcretl  thi.>m.  The  female  and  the  olilcer  had  already  disapjKjared  rounil  an 
abrupt  angle  of'the  bomb-proof;  and  the  soldier,  as  directed  by  his  master, 
now  drew  up  his  tall  tiguro  against  the  ruin,  where  he  continued  for  a  period 
immovable,  as  if  he  had  been  jdantcti  there  in  his  ordinary  character  of  sen- 
tinel, listening,  until  they  eventually  died  away  in  distance,  to  the  receding 
footst'  i>s  of  his  master ;  and  then  i-uminating  on  the  .several  apprehensions 
that  crowded  on  his  mind,  in  regard  to  the  probable  issue  of  his  adventurous 
project. 

Meanwiiile,  Captain  de  llaldimar  and  his  guide  trod  the  mazes  of  the  forest, 
with  an  expedition  that  proved  the  latter  to  be  well  acquainted  with  its  bear- 
ings. On  (flitting  the  bomb-proof,  she  had  struck  into  a  narrow  winding 
path,  less  seen  than  felt  in  the  deep  gloom  pervading  the  wood,  and  with  light 
st<;ps  boiuided  over  obsta<.'les  that  lay  strewed  in  their  course,  emitting  scarcely 
more  so\uid  than  would  have  been  produced  by  the  slimy  crawl  of  its  native 
rattlesnake.  Not  so,  however,  with  the  less  exixjrienccd  tread  of  her  com- 
panion. Wanting  the  pliancy  of  movement  given  to  it  l>y  the  light  mocassin, 
the  booted  foot  of  the;  young  ollicer,  despite  of  all  his  precaution,  fell  heavily 
to  the  ground,  pioducing  such  a  rustling  among  the  dried  leaves,  that,  had  an 
Indian  ear  been  lurking  anywhere  around,  his  appi'oach  must  inevitably  have 
been  betrayed,  ^lore  than  once,  too,  neglecting  to  follow  the  injunction  of 
his  compauion.wlio  moved  in  a  stooping  posture,  with  her  head  bent  over  her 
chest,  his  hat  was  caught  in  the  closely  matted  branches,  and  fell  sulleidy  and 
heavily  to  the  earth,  evidently  much  to  the  discomfiture  of  his  giiide. 

At  length  they  stood  on  the  verge  of  a  dark  and  precipitous  ravine,  the  ab- 
rupt sides  of  which  were  studded  with  underwood,  so  completely  interwoven 
that  all  passage  appeared  impracticable.  What,  however,  seemed  an  insur- 
mountable obstacle,  proved,  in  reality,  an  estimable  advantage  ;  for  it  was  by 
clinging  to  this,  in  imitation  of  the  example  set  hy  his  comixmion,  the  young 
officer  was  prevented  from  rollinpj  into  an  abyss,  the  depth  of  which  was  lost 
in  the  profoun<l  obscim'ty  that  pervaded  the  scene.  Through  the  bed  of  this 
dark  dell  rolled  a  narrow  stream,  so  imperceptible  to  the  eye  in  the  "  living 
darkness.''  and  so  noiseless  in  its  course,  that  it  was  not  until  warned  by  his 
companion  he  stood  on  the  very  brink  of  it.  Captain  de  llaldimar  was  made 
sensible  of  its  existence.  Doth  cleared  it  at  a  single  bound,  in  which  the ,  ac- 
tivity of  tlie  foniiile  was  not  the  least  conspicuous,  and,  chvmberin.';';  up  the 
opposite  steep,  secured  their  footing  by  tlu^  aid  of  the  same  imderwood  that 
had  Rssisto'l  tliom  in  their  descent. 

On  g.iininp;  tin-  other  siunmit.  which  was  not  done  without  detKcIiiu.'.v  seve- 
ral large  stones  from  tlieiv  s.indy  lied,  tlioy  again  fell  into  the  path  wliivii  hail 
been  lost  ^ight  of  hi  triivcrsiny,-  the  mvine.     Tiiey  h;id  proceeded  idon;v  (his 


t 

• 


waoousta;  or,  thu  prophecy. 


101 


about  h:\\(  a  mile,  when  the  renmle  suddenly  stopuud,  nnd  (Ktinliiije;  to  n  dim 
and  lurid  atmuHpherc  that  now  heg,'an  to  show  itHclf  hotwii'ii  the  thin  foliage, 
whisjiin'd  that  in  the  oi^niug  hcyond  stood  Iho  encaniimunt  of  the  IndianK. 
She  then  seated  herself  on  the  trunk  of  a  fallen  tree,  that  lay  at  the  side  of 
the  almost  invisihle  patli  they  hiid  hitherto  jjursued,  and  motioning  to  her 
conipnnion  to  unboot  liiniself ;  proceeded  to  ludacu  the  fastenings  of  her  mo- 
cassins. 

•■  The  foot  of  the  Saganaw  must  fall  like  the  nipht  dew  on  tlie  prairie,"  she 
observed  ;  "  the  ear  of  the  rod  skin  is  ([uieker  than  the  linlitning,  and  ho  will 
know  that  a  pale  faee  is  near,  if  ii?  hear  but  his  trend  \i\)w\  a  bladoof  p;rasH.'* 

The  young  ofllcer  had,  at  the  lirst  suggestion  of  his  guide,  divested  him«'lf 
of  his  lioots,  prepared  to  j)(!rf>)nu  the  remainder  of  the  journey  mere!''  in  his 
citoekings.  but  his  (iompanion  now  threw  herself  on  her  knees  beftu'e  him,  and, 
Writhout  further  ceremony,  proceeded  to  draw  over  his  foot  one  of  the  mocas- 
ttins  she  had  just  relinquished. 

"  The  fjet  of  the  Saganaw  are  soft  as  those  of  n  young  child,"  she  remark- 
ed, in  a  voice  of  rommi.seration ;  "  but  the  mocassins  of  Oucanasta  shall 
protect  them  from  the  thorns  of  the  forest." 

This  was  too  un-Euroi)ean, — too  much  reversing  the  establislicd  order  of 
things,  to  be  borne  patiently.  As  if  ho  had  felt  the  dignity  of  his  manhood 
offended  by  the  projwsal,  the  otticer  drew  his  foot  hastily  back,  declaring,  as 
he  sprang  from  the  log,  he  did  not  care  for  the  thorns,  and  could  not  think  of 
depriving  a  female,  who  must  be  much  more  .sensible  of  pain  than  himself. 

Oucanasta,  however,  was  not  to  be  outdone  in  politeness.  She  calmly  ro-" 
seated  herself  on  the  log,  drew  her  right  foot  over  her  left  knee,  caught  one 
of  the  hands  of  her  (companion,  and  placing  it  upon  the  naked  sole,  desired 
him  to  feel  how  impervious  to  attack  of  every  description  was  that  indurated 
portion  of  the  lower  limb. 

This  practical  argument  was  not  without  its  weight,  and  had  more  eifect  in 
deciding  the  officer  than  a  volume  of  remonstrance.  When  Oaptain  de  Haldi- 
mar  had  passed  his  unwilling  hand  over  the  foot  of  ()\ic:innsta,  v.hich,  what- 
ever her  face  might  have  been,  was  certainly  anything  but  delicate,  and 
encounteretl  numerous  ragged  excrescences  and  raspy  callosities  that  set  sH 
symmetry  at  defiance,  a  wonderful  revolution  came  over  his  feelings ;  and 
secretly  determining  the  mocassins  would  be  equally  well  placed  on  his  own 
feet,  he  no  longer  ottered  any  opposition. 

This  important  point  arranged,  the  officer  once  more  followed  his  guide  in 
silence.  Gradually  the  forest,  as  they  advanced,  became  lighter  with  the  lurid 
atmosphere  before  allude',  to ;  nnd  at  length,  through  the  trees,  could  be  in- 
distinctly seen  the  Indian  fires  from  which  it  proceeded.  The  young  man  was 
now  desired  by  his  conductress  to  use  the  utmost  circumspection  in  making 
the  ciicuit  of  the  wood,  in  order  to  gain  a  position  immediately  opposite  to 
the  point  where  the  path  they  had  hitherto  pursued  terminated  in  the  opening. 
This,  indeed,  was  the  most  dangerous  and  critical  part  of  the  undertaking. 
A  false  step,  or  the  crackling  of  a  decayed  branch  beneath  the  foot,  would 
have  been  sufficient  to  betray  i)roximity,  in  which  case  his  doom  was  scaled. 

Fortunate  did  he  now  deem  himself  in  having  yielded  to  the  counsel  of  his 
guide.  Had  he  retained  his  unbendin;;-  boot,  it  must  have  crushed  whatever 
it  pre.-sed ;  whereas,  the  pliant  mocassin,  yielding  to  the  obstacles  it  encoun- 
tered, enabled  him  to  pass  noiselessl}"^  over  them.  Still,  while  exempt  from 
danger  on  this  score,  another,  scarcely  less  perplexing,  became  at  every  instant 
more  obvious ;  for,  as  they  drew  nearer  to  the  point  which  the  female  sought 
to  gain,  the  dim  light  of  the  half-sluiubering  ttres  fell  so  inimcdiately  upon 
their  path,  that  had  a  single  human  eye  been  turned  in  that  direction,  thdr 
tliscovery  was  inevitable.  It  was  with  a  beating  heart,  to  which  mere  personal 
fear,  however,  was  a  s.tranger,  that  Captain  de  llaldimar  performed  this  con- 
cluding stage  of  his  adventurous  coni'se  ;  but,  at  a  moment  when  he  considered 
detection  unavoidable,  and  was  arming  himself  with  resolution  to  meet  the 


102 


w  A  c  o  r  a  r  \  ;    or,    t  ii  e    i'  r  o  r  ii  e  c;  y 


«Tent,  till'  fi'innle  stiddciily  Imlt'<l,  |il(iHii)^,  in  tlio  »<■(,,  tho  trm>k  of  an  cnor- 
mniis  )ioi'<h  botwf'Oii  lur  cDnipimion  iiinl  the  iliisky  forms  wntliin,  wliow  vitv 
broathin^^  coiildho  hcnrd  l)y  tlio  anxious  otflccr.  VViUiotit  uttcrin;!;  a  \\i)v<\, 
bIm^  took  liis  Imnd.  nnd  drawinp,'  him  (j^i-ntly  forward,  diHappfiirt'd  ultoirclJicr 
from  liis  view.  The  youn(j;  niiin  followed,  and  in  the  next  moment  foumi 
him.self  in  the  bowolIesH  ImmIj-  of  the  tree  itself;  into  which,  on  tho  side  of 
the  uneamptncnt,  both  lit;ht  and  sound  were  a<lniittcd  by  a  small  npertinc 
fomiwl  by  the  natnral  deeav  of  tho  wood. 

The  Indiiui  pressed  her  lips  to  the  ear  of  her  rompanion,  and  ratlicr  breath- 
ed than  said, — "  The  iSaganaw  will  see  and  hear  every  thing  from  tliis  in  safely ; 
and  what  ho  Ijears  let  him  treasure  in  his  heart.  Oneanastamnst  go.  When 
the  couneil  is  over  slio  will  return,  and  leaii  him  )»aok  to  his  warriors." 

With  this  brief  intimation  she  departwl,  and  so  noiselessly,  that  tho  young 
officer  wa.s  not  aware  of  her  absence  until  some  minutes  of  silence  had  sfttisfl- 
ed  him  she  must  bo  gone.  Ilis  first  care  then  was  to  Burvcy,  through  the 
•perture  that  lay  in  a  level  with  his  eye,  tlic  character  of  the  scene  before 
him.  The  small  plain,  in  which  lay  the  encampment  of  tho  Indians,  was  a 
sort  of  oasis  of  the  forest,  girt  around  with  a  rude  belt  of  tindorwood,  and 
■omewhat  elevated,  so  as  to  present  the  appearance  of  a  mound,  constructed 
on  tho  first  principles  of  art.  This  was  thickly,  althongh  irregxdarly  studded 
witli  tents,  some  of  which  were  forme<l  of  largo  coarse  mats  thrown  o  or 
poles  disposed  in  a  conical  Hhai)e,  while  othei  s  were  more  rudely  composed  of 
the  leafj'  brandies  of  iho  forest. 

Within  the.se,  groups  of  human  forms  lay  wrapjicd  in  their  blankets,  stretcli- 
ed  at  their  lazy  length.  Others,  with  their  feet  ])laced  close  to  the  dying 
embers  of  their  fires,  diverged  like  so  many  radii  fVom  their  centre,  and  lay 
motionless  in  sleep,  as  if  life  and  consciousness  were  wholly  extinct.  Here 
and  there  was  to  be  seen  a  solitary  warrior  securing,  with  admiable  neatness, 
and  witli  delicate  ligatures  formed  of  the  sinew  of  the  deer,  the  guiding  feath- 
er, or  fashioning  the  bony  barb  of  his  long  arrow ;  while  others,  with  the 
same  warlike  spirit  in  view,  employed  themselves  in  cutting  and  greaoing  small 

Satches  of  smoked  deerskin,  which  were  to  secure  and  give  a  more  certain 
irection  to  the  murderous  bullet.  Among  tho  warriors  were  interspersed 
many  women,  some  of  whom  might  bo  seen  supporting  in  their  laps  the  heavy 
heads  of  their  iiiconscious  helpmates,  while  they  occupied  themselves,  by  the 
firelight,  in  parting  the  long  h\ac\i  matted  hair,  and  maintaining  a  dcstnzctive 
■warfare  against  the  pigmy  inhabitants  of  that  dark  region.  These  signs  of 
life  ivnd  activity  in  the  body  of  tlic  camp  generally  were,  however,  but  few 
and  occasional ;  and,  at  tho  spot  where  ('aptain  de  Haldimar  stood  concealed, 
the  scene  was  different.  At  a  few  yards  fVom  the  tree  stood  a  sort,  of  shed, 
•'ompa^ed  of  tall  poles  placed  upright  in  the  earth,  and  supporting  a  roof 
fR)rmed  simply  of  rude  boughs,  the  foliafto  of  which  had  been  withered  by  time. 
This  simple  edifice  might  be  about  fifty  feet  in  circumference.  In  the  centre 
Wazed  a  large  fire  tliat  had  been  newly  fed,  and  around  this  were  assembled 
a  hand  of  .swarthy  wan-iors,  some  twenty  or  thirty  in  number,  who,  by  their 
proud,  calm,  and  thoughtful  bearing,  might  at  once  be  known  to  be  chiefs. 

The  faces  of  most  of  these  were  familiar  to  the  young  officer,  who  speedily 
recognised  them  for  the  principals  of  the  various  tribes  Ponteac  had  leagued 
tn  arms  against  his  enemies.  That  chief  himself,  ever  remarkable  for  his 
haughty  eye  and  commanding  gesture,  was  of  the  number  of  those  present ; 
Wid  sat  a  little  aloof  from  his  inferiors,  with  his  feet  stretched  towards  the 
fire,  and  half  reclining  on  his  side  in  an  attitude  of  indolence  ;  yet  with  his 
ttdnd  evidently  engrossed  by  deep  and  absorbing  thought.  From  some  ob- 
servations that  distinctly  met  his  ear.  Captain  de  Haldimar  gathered,  the  party 
irore  only  awaiting  the  arrival  of  an  important  character,  without  whose 
presence  the  leading  chief  was  unwilling  the  conference  should  begin.  Tho 
period  of  the  officer's  concealment  had  just  been  long  enough  to  enable  him  to 
fix  all  these  particulars  in  his  mind,  when  suddenly  the  faint  report  of  a 


W  A  C  O  If  H  T  A 


OR,     T  H  K      P  R  O  P  H  K  C  Y 


lOS 


(liiitiiiii  nll(!  was  hcnni  cchoinp;  iliri>ii);linii'  the  wnod.  Thin  wiih  instiintlv 
su(!<TOiU'(l  liy  II  Hcroiid,  tlmt  soiindtil  moii"  sliiirply  on  tlif  car;  nml  then  Ibl- 
lowiil  n  lonn'  mill  jiiiM-cinp;  cry  tlmt  l)ioii;{lit  ivcry  warrior,  I'voii  those  \v'.io 
Hlept,  riwifkly  to  his  I'cct. 

All  iinxiiius  iiitoi'vitl  ol'somo  ininiitos  imsscd  iiwiiy  in  tliu  (Ixod  liml  listening 
iittitiidcs.  Mliich  the  chiefs  esjiei-iiilly  had  nssurncd,  when  n  iioiso  ppHomlilmK 
tlmt  of  Minio  luiimal  forcing  its  way  rapidly  thronixh  tlin  nistliiip  l)raii(lu'H, 
waH  faintly  lieaid  in  the  (hroction  in  whi<'h  the  shots  had  heen  lln>d.  TWm 
grBdiinlly  nicreased  as  it  evidently  njiproached  the  emanipnient, and  then,  dis- 
tinctly, could  he  heard  the  light  yet  un)(uarded  honndinf];s  uf  n  hinnan  font. 
At  every  moment  the  rnstlinj;  of  the  nnflerwood,  rapidly  divided  hy  the 
approaehins  form,  hecamo  more  nndihlo;  and  so  closely  did  thcintrtider  proHH 
upon  the  point  in  which  Oaptain  tie  Flaldimar  was  concealed,  that  that  ofticcr, 
fancying  he  had  heen  betrayed,  turned  hastily  aronnd,  and,  p;raspin(r  one  of 
the  pistols  he  ha<l  secreted  m  the  chest,  prepared  himself  for  a  liiKt  and  deadly 
onconnter.  An  instant  or  two  was  sumcient  to  re-asHure  him.  The  form 
glided  hastily  past,  brushing  the  tree  with  its  Riinnents  in  its  course,  and 
clearinj;,  at  a  single  hound,  the  belt  of  underwood  that  divided  the  encamp- 
ment fi'om  the  tali  forest,  stood  suddenly  among  the  group  of  anxious  and 
expectant  i.hiefs. 

This  individual,  a  man  of  tall  stature,  was  powerfully  made.  He  wore  a 
jerkin,  or  hunting-coat  of  leather  ;  and  his  arms  were,  a  rifle  which  had  every 
appearance  of  having  just  been  discharged,  a  tomahawk  reeking  with  blood, 
and  a  scalping  kniP",  which,  in  the  huny  of  some  nicent  service  it  had  been 
made  to  perform,  had  missed  its  sheath,  and  was  thrust  naked  into  the  belt 
that  encircled  his  loins.  His  countenance  wore  an  expression  of  malignant 
triumph ;  and  as  his  ew  foil  on  the  assembled  throng,  its  solf-satisiicd  and 
exulting  glance  seemed  to  give  them  to  understand  he  came  not  without  ci-c- 
dentials  to  recommend  him  to  theij-  notice.  Captain  dc  Haldimar  was  par- 
ticularly struck  hy  the  aii*  of  bold  daring  and  almost  insolent  recklessness 
jKU'vading  every  movement  of  this  man  :  and  it  was  difficult  to  say  whether 
the  haughtiness  of  bearing  peculiar  to  Pontcac  himself,  was  not  e?:cccded  by 
that  of  tins  hcrciileau  warrior. 

By  the  body  of  chiefs  his  appearance  had  been  grcotcd  with  a  mere  general 
grunt  of  approbation  ;  but  the  counnenance  of  the  leader  exprcsed  a  more 
personal  interest.  All  seeme<l  to  expect  ho  had  something  of  moment  to  com- 
municate; but  as  it  was  not  consistent  with  the  dignity' of  Indian  etiquette 
to  enquire,  they  waited  calmly  until  it  should  please  their  new  associate  to 
enter  ou  the  liistovy  of  liis  exploits.  In  pursuance  of  an  invitation  fVom  Pon- 
tcac, he  now  took  his  seat  on  the  right  hand  of  that  chief,  and  immediately 
facing  the  tree,  from  which  Captain  de  Haldimar.  stronglj'  excited  both  by 
the  reports  of  the  shots  that  had  been  lircd,  and  the  sight  of  the  bloody  toma- 
hawk of  the  recenti}'  arrived  Indian,  gazed  earnestlj'  and  anxiously  on  the 
swarthy  tlirou<i'. 

Glancing  once  more  triumphantly  round  the  circle,  who  sat  smoking  their 
pipes  in  eahii  iin  1  deliberative  silence,  the  latter  now  observed  the  eye  of  a 
youn;j,  chief  who  sat  ojipositc  to  him,  intently  rivete<l  on  his  left  shoulder. 
He  raised  his  hand  to  the  part,  withdrew  it,  looked  at  it,  and  found  it  wet 
with  blood.  A  slight  start  of  surprise  betrayed  his  own  unconsciousness  of 
the  accident ;  yet.  secretly  vexed  at  tl»o  di.scovery  which  had  been  made,  and 
urged  probably  by  one  of  his  wayward  tits,  he  denianded  haughtily  and  in- 
sultingly of  the  young  chief,  if  that  was  the  first  tune  he  had  ever  looked  oa 
the  blood  of  a  warrior. 

"  Does  my  brother  feel  pain  ?"  was  the  taunting  reply.  "  If  he  is  come  to 
us  with  a  troph  V,  it  is  not  without  being  dearly  bought.  The  Saganaw  has 
spilt  his  blood." 

"  The  weapons  of  the  Saganaw,  like  those  of  the  smooth  face  of  the  Ottawa 
are  without  sting."  angrily  retorted  the  other.    "  They  only  prick  the  skin 


104 


W  A  C  0  V  8  l  A  ;      OK,,     T  H  K      PROPHECY. 


like  a  thorn  ;  but  when  Wacousta  drinks  the  blood  of  his  enciny,"  and  he 
glanced  iiis  eye  flercely  at  the  younp;  man,  "  it  is  the  blood  next  his  heart." 

'  My  brother  has  alwvys  bip;  words  upon  his  lips,"  returned  the  young 
chief,  with  a  scornful  sneer  at  the  implied  threat  against  himself.  "  Rut  where 
are  his  proofs  ?" 

For  a  moment  the  eye  of  the  i)arty  thus  challenged  kindled  into  rtamc, 
while  his  lips  were  firmly  compressed  top,ether  ;  and  as  he  half  bant  himseli 
forward,  lo  scan  with  greater  ((arnestnc!;!  the  featui-es  of  his  questioner,  bis 
right  hand  sank  to  his  left  side,  tightly  grasjnng  the  handle  of  his  .sealping- 
knife.  The  action  was  but  mouientary.  j\j.';ain  he  drew  himself  up,  puiletl 
the  smoke  deliberately  from  bis  bloody  tomahawk,  and,  thrusting  liis  right 
hand  into  his  bosom,  drew  leisurely  forth  a  i-ecking  scalp,  which  he  tossed 
insolently  across  Inc  fire  into  ihe  lap  of  the  yomig  chief.  A  loud  and  general 
'•  ugh  !"  testilied  the  approbation  of  the  assemliled  group  at  the  unoqiriv^xral 
answer  thus  given  to  the  demand  of  the  youth.  The  eye  of  the  Imgo  wurrior 
sparkled  with  a  deep  and  ferocious  exultation. 

'•  What  says  the  smooth  lace  of  the  Ottawas  now?"  he  demanded,  in  iha 
same  insolent  strain.  "  Does  it  make  his  heart  sick  to  look  upon  the  ,scalp  oV 
a  great  chief?" 

Thvj  young  man  quietly  turned  the  horrid  trophy  over  several  times  in  h'w 
hand,  examining  .t  attentively  in  every  part.  Then  tossing  it  back  with  con- 
temptuous coolness  to  its  owner,  he  replied. — 

"  The  eyes  of  my  brother  are  weak  with  ag-e.  He  is  not  cunning,  like  a  i-ed 
skin.  The  Ottawa  has  often  seen  the  Saganaw  in  their  fort,  and  he  kuo^TS 
their  chiefs  have  flue  hair  like  womon ;  but  this  is  like  the  bristle  of  the  fox. 
My  brother  has  not  slain  a  great  chief,  but  a  common  warrior." 

A  Hush  of  irrepressible  and  threatening  anger  passed  over  the  features  of 
the  vast  savage. 

"  Is  it  for  a  boy,"  he  li(!rcely  asked,  "  whose  eyes  know  not  yet  the  color  of 
blood,  to  judge  of  the  enemies  that  fall  by  the  tomahawk  of  Wacousta  ?  but  a 
great  warrior  never  boasts  of  actions  that  he  docs  not  achieve.  It  is  the  son 
of  the  great  chief  of  the  Saganaw  whom  he  has  slain.  If  the  smooth  face 
doubts  it,  and  has  courage  to  venture,  even  at  night,  within  a  hundred 
yards  of  the  fort,  he  will  .see  a  Si.ganaw  without  a  scalp  ;  and  lie  will  knoir 
that  Saganaw  by  his  dress — the  dress,"  he  p\n'sued.  with  a  low  emphatic 
laugh,  '•  that  Oucunasta,  the  sister  of  the  smooth  fsice,  loved  so  much  to  look 
upon." 

Quicker  than  thought  was  th(;  upspringing  of  the  young  Indian  to  his  feet. 
With  a  cheek  glowing,  an  eye  Hashing,  and  his  gleaming  tomaliawk  wJnVlin^ 
rapidly  round  bis  head,  he  cleared  at  a  single  bound  the  tire  that  sepaititcxJ 
him  from  his  insulter.  The  formidable  man  who  had  thus  wantonly  pnnokcd 
the  attack,  was  equally  prompt  in  meeting  it.  At  tlic  iirst  movement  of  the 
youth,  he  too  had  leapt  to  his  Teet,  and  brandished  the  terriljle  weapon  that 
served  in  the  double  capacity  of  pi[)e  and  hatchet.  A  iicirce  yell  esca)>Gd  the 
lips  of  each,  us  they  thus  met  in  c'.  >se  and  ho.stile  collision,  and  the  scone  for 
the  monient  promised  to  be  one  of  the  most  tragic  character ;  but  before 
either  could  .ind  an  assaiIiLi)le  point  on  v.'hieh  to  test  his  f(;rniidable  Avunpon, 
Ponteac  himself  had  thro'.vn  Ins  person  between  them,  and  in  a  voii'e  >)fn' un- 
der conuuanded  the  inslaut  Kb;nidonr.iont  of  iheir  pui'pose.  Kxuspcviitod  even 
as  they  nov,'  mutually  wire,  the  inllueuce  of  that  anthoiity.  for  wlii>h  the 
great  chief  of  the  Oitavvas  was  well  known,  was  not  without  flue  effect  on  the 
combatants.  His  anger  was  priuci})ally  directed  against  the  assiiilanl.  on  whom 
the  tones  of  his  reproving  voice  produced  a  change  the  intimi<lation  of  his 
powerful  opponent  could  never  have  all'ected.  The  young  chief  dropped  the 
point  of  bis  tomalunvk ;  ])owe(l  his  heal  in  submission,  and  then  resunu'ng  his 
seat,  sat  during  the  remainder  of  tiie  nigJit  with  his  arms  foldc<l.  aad  bis  head 
bent  ill  .silence  over  his  <!hest. 

''Our  b!"ther  has  doiio  well,"  .said  Pontea*.'.  glancing  approvingly  a i.  him 


' 


wacousta:    or,    the    prophecy, 


106 


liis  right 


:ii.  him 


who  ha'J  exhil'ted  the  recking  trophy,  and  whom  he  evidently  favored.  "  He 
is  a  great  chief,  and  his  words  are  truth.  We  heard  the  report  of  his  rifle,  and 
we  also  heard  the  cry  that  toKi  he  had  borne  a— ay  the  scalp  of  an  enemy. 
But  we  will  think  of  this  to-morrow.    Let  na  now  commence  our  talk." 

Our  readers  will  readily  imagine  the  feelings  of  Captain  de  Haldimar  during, 
this  short  but  exciting  scone.  From  the  account  given  by  the  warrior,  there 
could  be  no  doubt  the  murdered  man  was  the  unhappy  Donellan ;  who,  pro- 
bably, neglecting  the  caution  given  him,  had  axposed  himself  to  the  murderous 
aim  of  this  fierce  being,  who  was  apparently  a  scout  sent  for  the  purpose  of 
watchi)ig  the  movements  of  the  garrison.  The  direction  of  the  firing,  the  al- 
lusion made  to  the  regimentals,  nay,  the  scalp  itself,  which  he  knew  from  the 
short  crop  to  bo  +.iat  of  a  soldier,  and  fancied  he  recognised  from  its  color  to 
be  that  of  his  servant,  formed  but  too  conclusive  evidence  of  the  fact ;  and,  bit- 
terly an^  deeply,  as  he  gazed  on  this  melancholy  proof  of  the  man's  sacrifice 
of  life  to  his  interest,  did  he  repent  that  he  had  made  him  the  companion  of 
his  adventure,  or  that,  having  done  so,  ho  had  not  either  jjrought  him  away 
altogether,  or  sent  him  instantly  back  to  the  fort.  Commiseration  for  the  fate 
of  the  unfortunate  Donellan  naturally  induced  a  spirit  of  personal  hostility  to- 
wards his  destroyer ;  and  it  was  with  feelings  strongly  excited  in  favor  of  him 
whom  he  now.  discovered  to  l>c  the  brother  of  his  guide,  that  he  saw  him  spring 
fiercely  to  the  attack  of  his  gigantic  opponent.  There  was  an  activity  about 
the  young  chief  amply  commensurate  with  the  great  physical  power  of  his  ad- 
versary ;  while  the  manner  in  whic^  he  wielded  his  tomahawk,  proved  him  to 
be  &n3'thing  but  the  novice  in  the  use  of  the  formidable  weapon  the  other  had 
represented  him.  It  was  with  a  feeling  of  disappointment,  therefore,  which 
the  peculiarity  of  his  own  position  could  not  overcome,  he  saw  Ponteac  inter- 
pose himself  between  the  parties. 

Presently,  however,  a  subject  of  deeper  and  more  absorbing  interest  than 
ever,  the  fate  of  his  unhappy  follower  enerossed  every  faculty  of  his  mind,  and 
riveted  both  eye  and  ear  m  painful  ten<  .i  ^o  the  aperture  in  hie  hiding-place. 
The  chiefs  had  resumed  their  places,  and  the  silence  of  a  few  minutes  had  suc- 
ceeded to  the  fierce  affray  of  tha  warriors,  when  Ponteac,  in  a  calm  and  delibe- 
rate voice,  proceeded  to  state  he  had  snmmoned  all  the  heads  of  the  nations 
together,  to  hear  a  plan  he  had  to  offer  for  the  reduction  of  the  Isnst  remaining 
forts  of  their  enemies  Michilimackinan  and  Detroit.  He  pointed  out  the 
tediousness  of  the  warfare  in  which  they  were  engaged ;  the  desertion  of  their 
hunting-grounds  by  their  warriors;  and  their  consequent  deficiency  in  all 
those  articles  of  European  traffic  which  they  were  formerly  in  the  habit  of  re- 
ceiving in  exchange  for  their  furs.  He  dwelt  on  the  beneficial  results  that 
would  accrue  to  them  all  in  the  event  of  the  reduction  of  those  two  important 
fortresses;  since,  in  that  case,  they  would  be  enabled  to  make  such  terms 
with  the  English  as  would  secure  to  them  considerable  advantages ;  while,  in- 
stead of  being  treated  with  the  indignity  of  a  conquered  people,  they  would  be 
enabled  to  command  respect  from  the  imposing  attitude  this  final  crowning  of 
their  succes-ics  would  enable  them  to  assume.  He  stated  that  the  prudence 
and  vigilance  of  tlie  commanders  of  these  two  unreduced  fortresses  were  likely 
long  to  bafHe,  as  had  hitherto  been  the  case,  Rvery  open  attempt  at  their  cap- 
ture ;  and  admitted  he  had  little  expectation  of  terrifying  theui  into  a  .stu'ren- 
der  by  the  same  artifice  that  hud  succeeded  with  the  forts  on  the  Ohio  and 
the  lower  lakes.  The  plan,  however,  which  he  had  to  projwsc,  was  one  he 
felt  assured  would  be  attended  with  success.  He  would  disclose  that  plan, 
an  I  the  great  chiefs  shoMld  give  it  tiie  advantage  of  their  deliberation. 

Captain  de  Haldimar  was  on  the  rack.  The  chief  had  gradually  dropped 
his  V  jice  as  he  explained  his  plan,  imtil  at  len^tli  it  became  so  low,  thct  uu- 
distinguisb'ible  sounds  alone  rea(;hed  the  ear  of  the  excited  olTicer.  For  a  mo- 
ment ho  dispau'od  of  making  himself  fully  master  of  the  ivnportant  secret ;  but 
in  the  course  of  the  deliberation  tliat  ctisued,  the  blanks  left  unsupplied  in  the 
discourse  of  the  leader  w.ic  al)undantly  iilloil  up.   It  was  what  the  reader  has 


ion 


W  A  C  ()  U  S  T  A  ;      OR,     T  UK      PR  O  P  II  i;  C  Y  . 


already  seen.  The  necessities  of  the  Indians  were  to  l>e  uTji,ed  as  a  motive  for 
theii  hi'inp;  tired  of  hostilities.  A  peaee  was  to  be  solicited  ;  a  eounejl  held  ; 
a  ball-pl.ayinf!;  unionu;  the  warriors  proposed,  as  a  mark  of  their  own  sincerity 
and  eonfidenee  dnrin;,  that  council ;  and  when  the  jijarrison,  hilled  into  secu- 
rit}',  should  he  thrown  entirely  off  their  muard.  the  warriors  were  to  seize  their 
guns  and  tomahawks,  witli  wliich  (the  former  cut  short,  for  the  butter  con- 
cealment of  their  jiurpose)  their  \>i)men  would  be  provided,  rush  in,  under 
pre{"xt  of  regaining;  their  lost  ball,  when  a  universal  mass.iere  of  men,  women, 
and  children  was  to  ensue,  until  nothing  weai'inp;  the  j^arb  of  a  Saganaw  should 
be  left. 

It  wouM  be  tedious  to  fi)llow  the  chief  through  all  the  minor  ramifications 
of  his  subtle  i)lnn.  Suffice  it  they  were  of  a  nature  to  throv^  the  most  wary 
off  his  guard  ;  ami  so  admirat)ly  arranged  was  evcrj^  part,  so  certain  did  it 
appear  tlieir  enemies  nnist  fiill  into  the  .snare,  that  the  oldest  chiefs  testified 
their  ajiprobation  with  a  vivacity  of  manner  and  expression  little  wont  to 
characterise  the  deliberative  meetings  of  these  reserved  people.  But  doepe.st 
of  all  was  the  approval  of  the  tall  warrior  who  had  so  recently  arrived.  To 
him  had  the  discourse  of  the  leader  been  principally  directed,  as  one  whose 
counsel  and  experience  wore  especially  wanting  to  confirm  him  in  his  purpose. 
He  was  the  last  who  spoke  ;  but.  when  he  did,  it  was  with  a  foroe — an  energy 
— that  must  have  sunk  every  objection,  even  if  the  plan  had  not  been  so  per- 
fect and  unexceptionable  in  its  concor-tion  as  to  hare  precluded  a  possibility 
of  all  negative  argument.  During  the  delivery  of  his  animated  speech,  his 
swarthy  countenance  kindled  into  fierce  and  rapidly  varying  expression.  A 
thousand  dark  and  complicated  passions  evidently  striiggled  at  his  heart ;  and 
as  he  dwelt  leisurely  and  emi)hatically  on  the  sacrifice  of  human  life  that 
must  inevitably  attend  the  adoption  of  the  proposed  measure,  his  eye  grew 
larger,  his  chest  expanded,  nay,  \m  very  nostril  appeared  to  dilate  with  un- 
fathomably  guileful  exultation.  Captain  de  Haldimnr  thought  he  had  never 
gazed  on  anything,  wearing  the  human  shape,  half  so  atrociously  savage. 

Long  before  tjie  council  was  tenninated,  the  infei-ior  warriors,  who  had 
been  so  suddenly  aroused  from  their  shmibcring  attitudes,  had  again  retired 
to  their  tents,  and  sti'ctched  their  lazy  length  before  the  embers  of  their  fires. 
The  weary  chiefs  now  prepared  to  follow  their  example.  They  emptied  the 
ashes  from  the  bowls  of  their  pipe-tomahawks,  replaced  them  carefully  at 
their  side,  rose,  and  i-etired  to  their  respective  tents.  Ponteac  and  the  tall 
warrior  alone  remained.  For  a  time  they  conversed  earnestly  together.  The 
former  listened  attentively  to  some  obsenations  made  to  him  by  his  com- 
panion, in  the  course  of  which,  the  words  "chief  of  the  Saganaw — fort — spy 
— enemy,"  and  two  or  three  others  erpially  unconnected,  were  alone  audible 
to  the  air  of  him  who  so  attentively  sought  to  catch  the  slightest  .sound.  He 
then  thrust  his  hand  under  his  hunting-coat,  and,  as  if  in  confirmation  of 
what  he  h.itl  been  stating,  exhibited  a  coil  of  rope  and  the  glos.sy  boot  of  an 
English  officer.  Ponteac  uttered  one  of  his  sharp  ejaculating  "  uglis !"  and 
then  rising  quickly  from  his  seat,  followed  by  his  companion,  soon  disappeared 
in  the  heart  of  the  encampment. 


CHAPTKR   XVII. 


How  shall  wo  attempt  to  i)aint  all  that  passed  through  the  mind  of  Cap- 
tain de  Haldimnr  during  this  important  conference  of  the  fierce  chiefs  ? — 
vrhere  find  liuignage  to  convey  the  cold  and  thrilling  horror  with  which  ho 
listened  to  tin;  calni  discussion  of  a  plan,  tlic  oliject  of  which  was  the  massa- 
cre, not  only  of  a  host  (>f  bciiijis  endeared  to  him  by  long  communicnship  of 
service,  but  nf  tlmsc  who  were  wedded  to  lii>  heart  bv  the  dearer  tics  of  af- 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy, 


107 


and 


lection  and  kindred  ?  As  Pontciu*  hnd  justly  observed,  the  English  garriHons, 
strong  in  their  own  dct'onccs,  were  little  likely  to  be  speedily  reduced,  'vhile 
their  enemies  confined  themselves  to  overt  acts  of  hostility ;  but,  against  their 
insidious  professions  of  iimity  who  coidd  oppose  a  sufflciont  caution?  His 
father,  the  young  ollictr  was'aware,  had  all  along  manifested  a  spirit  of  con- 
ciliation towards  the  Indians,  which,  if  followed  up  by  tlie  government  gene- 
rally, must  have  had  the  ellect  of  preventing  the  cruel  and  sanguinary  war 
that  had  so  recently  desolatLd  this  remote  part  of  the  British  possessions. 
How  liktly,  therctore,  was  it,  having  his  object  always  in  view,  he  should  give 
in  to  the  jirosLiit  wily  stralaireni.  where  such  plausible  motives  for  the  aban- 
donment of  thi'ir  hostile  purpose  were  urged  bj^  the  perfidious  chiefs  !  IVom 
the  few  hasty  hints  already  !;iven  him  by  his  guide, — that  kind  being,  who 
evidently  sought  to  be  the  savior  of  the  devoted  garrison, — he  had  gathered 
that  a  (li'L'p  and  artful  plan  was  to  he  STd)mitted  to  the  chiefs  by  their  leader ; 
but  li!  ie  did  he  imagine  it  was  of  the  finished  nature  it  now  proved  to  be. 
Any  other  tlmn  the  present  attempt,  the  vigilance  and  prudence  of  his  expe- 
rienced father,  he  felt,  wotdd  have  rendered  abortive;  but  there  was  so  much 
speciousness  in  the  pleas  that  were  to  be  advanced  in  furtherance  of  their  as- 
sumed object,  he  could  not  but  admit  the  almost  certainty  of  their  influence, 
even  on  him. 

Sick  and  discouraged  as  he  was  at  the  horrible  perspective  thus  .forced  on 
his  mental  view,  the  young  ofhcer  had  not,  for  some  moments,  presence  of 
mind  to  reflect  that  the  danger  of  the  garrison  existed  only  so  long  as  he 
should  be  absent  from  it.  At  length,  however,  the  cheering  recollection  catne, 
and  with  it  the  mantling  rush  of  blood,  to  his  faint  heart.  But,  short  was 
the  consoling  hope :  again  he  felt  dismay  in  every  fibre  of  his  frame  ;  for  ho 
now  reflected,  that  although  his  opportnne  discovery  of  the  meditated  scheme 
would  save  one  fort,  there  was  no  guardian  angel  to  extend,  as  in  this  in- 
stance, its  protecting  influence  to  the  other ;  and  within  that  other  there 
breathed  those  who  were  dearer  far  to  him  than  his  own  existence  ; — beings, 
whose  lives  were  far  more  precious  to  him  than  apy  even  in  the  garrison  of 
which  he  was  a  member.  His  sister  Clara,  whom  ho  loved  with  a  love  little 
inferior  to  that  of  his  younger  brother ;  and  one,  even  more  dearly  loved  than 
Clara, — Madeline  do  Haldimar,  his  cousin  and  affianced  bndc, — were  both  in- 
mates of  Miohillimackinae.  which  was  commanded  by  the  father  of  the  latter, 

a  major  in  the regiment.     With  Madeline  de  Haldimar  he  had  long  since 

exchanged  his  vows  of  affection  ;  and  their  nuptials,  which  were  to  have  taken 
place  about  the  period  when  the  present  war  broke  out,  had  only  been  sus- 
pended because  all  communication  between  the  two  posts  had  been  entirely 
cut  off  by  the  encjiiy. 

Captain  de  Haldimar  liad  none  of  the  natural  weakness  and  timidity  of 
character  which  belonged  to  the  gentler  and  more  sensitive  Charles.  San- 
guine and  full  of  enterprise,  he  seldom  met  evils  half  way;  but  when  they 
did  'lome,  he  sought  to  master  them  by  the  firmness  and  coUectcdness  with 
which  he  op])Oscd  his  mind  to  their  infjictiou.  If  his  heart  was  now  racked 
with  the  most  acute  suffering — his  reason  incapacitated  from  exercising  its  • 
calm  deliberate  power,  th^  seeming  contradiction  arose  not  fiom  any  deficiency 
in  his  character,  but  was  attributable  wholly  to  the  extraordinary  circum- 
stances of  till-  monunt. 

It  was  a  part  of  the  ])r()foim<l  plan  of  the  Ottawa  chief,  that  it  should  be 
essayed  on  the  two  forts  on  the  same  day ;  and  it  was  a  suggestion  of  the 
murderer  of  poor  Donellan,  that  a  parley  should  be  obtained,  through  the 
medium  of  a  white  flag,  the  nature  of  which  he  explained  to  them,  as  it  was 
understood  among  their  enemies.  If  invited  to  the  council,  then  they  wore 
to  enter,  or  not.  as  circumstances  might  induce  ;  hut,  in  any  case,  they  wwo 
to  go  unprovided  with  the  pipe  of  peace,  since  this  could  not  be  smoked  with- 
out violating  everything  held  most  sacred  among  themselves.  The  red,  or 
war  pipe,  was  to  lie  substituted  as  if  by  accident ;  and,  for  the  success  of  the 


106 


W  A  C  O  U  B  T 


OR,     THE     PROPHKCY 


deception,  they  were  to  presume  on  the  ignorance  of  their  oneiuici.  This, 
however,  was  not  important,  since  tho  period  of  their  fii-st  parley  was  to  bo 
the  moment  chosen  for  the  arrangement  of  a  future  council,  and  the  lu-oposal 
of  a  hall-playing  upon  the  common.  Three  days  were  to  be  named  aw  the  in- 
terval between  the  first  conference  of  Ponteac  with  the  governor  and  the  de- 
finitive council  which  was  to  ensue ;  during  which,  however,  it  was  so  ar- 
ranged, that  before  the  lip  of  a  red  skin  should  touch  the  pipe  of  peace,  the 
ball-players  should  rush  in  and  massacre  the  imprepared  soldiery,  while  the 
chiefs  despatched  the  officers  in  council. 

It  was  the  proximity  of  the  period  allotted  for  the  execution  of  their  ci-uel 
scheme  that  mainly  contributed  to  the  dismay  of  Captain  de  Haldiniar.  The 
very  next  day  was  appointed  for  carrying  into  elfcct  the  first  part  of  the  In- 
dian plan :  and  how  was  it  possible  that  a  messenger,  even  admitting  he 
should  elude  the  vigilance  of  the  enemy,  could  reach  the  distant  post  of  Mich- 
ilimackinac  within  the  short  period  on  which  hung  the  destiny  of  that  devoted 
fortress.  In  the  midst  of  the  confused  and  distracting  images  that  now 
crowded  on  his  brain,  came  at  length  one  thought,  redolent  with  the  l)right- 
cst  colorings  of  hope.  On  his  return  to  the  garrison,  the  treachery  of  the 
Indians  being  made  known,  the  governor  might  so  far,  and  with  a  view  of 
gaining  time,  give  in  to  the  plan  of  his  enemies,  as  to  obtain  such  delay  ati 
would  afford  tlie  chance  of  communication  between  the  forts.  The  attempt, 
on  the  part  of  those  who  should  be  selected  for  this  purpose,  would,  it  is  true, 
be  a  desperate  one :  still  it  must  be  made  ;  and  with  such  incentives  to  exer- 
tion as  he  had,  how  vnUingly  would  he  propose  his  own  services ! 

The  more  he  dwelt  on  this  mode  of  defeating  the  subtle  designs  of  the  r ne- 
my,  the  more  practicable  did  it  appear.  Of  his  own  safe  return  to  the  fort  he 
entertained  not  a  doubt ;  for  he  knew  and  relied  on  the  Indian  woman,  who 
was  bound  to  him  by  a  tie  of  gptitude,  which  her  conduct  that  night  evi- 
dently denoted  to  be  superior  even  to  the  interests  of  her  race.  Moreover,  as 
he  approached  the  encampment  unnoticed  while  the  chiefs  were  yet  awake  to 
everything  around  them  how  little  probability  was  there  of  his  return  being 
detected  while  all  lay  in  the  most  profound  repose.  It  is  true  that,  for  a  mo- 
ment, his  confidence  deserted  him  as  he  recurred  to  the  earnest  dialogue  of 
the  two  Indians,  and  the  sudden  display  of  the  rope  and  boot,  the  latter  of 
which  articles  he  had  at  once  recognised  to  be  one  of  those  he  had  so  recently 
worn  ;  but  his  apprehensions  en  that  score  were  again  speedily  set  to  rest, 
when  he  reflected,  had  any  suspicion  existed  in  the  minds  of  these  men  that 
an  enemy  was  lurking  near  them,  a  general  alarm  would  have  been  spread, 
and  hundreds  of  warriors  despatched  to  scour  the  forest. 

The  night  was  now  rapidly  waning  away,  and  already  the  cold  damp  air 
of  an  autumnal  morning  was  beginning  to  make  itself  felt.  Slore  than  half 
an  hour  had  elapsed  since  the  departure  of  Ponteac  and  his  companion,  and 
yet  Oucanasta  came  not.  With  a  sense  of  the  approach  of  day  <^anie  new 
and  discouraging  thoughts,  and,  for  some  minutes,  the  mind  of  the  young 
officer  became  petrified  Avith  horror,  as  ho  refieetcd  on  the  bare  possibility  of 
his  escape  being  intercepted.  The  more  he  lingered  on  this  ai)itreliension,  the 
more  bewildered  were  his  ideas  ;  and  already  in  horrible  ]ierspeetive,  he  be- 
held the  destruction  of  his  nearest  and  dearest  iriends,  and  the  host  of  those 
who  wore  humbler  followers  and  partakers  in  iiie  .same  deslin3-.  Ali.solutel}' 
terrified  with  the  misgivings  of  his  own  heart,  he,  in  the  wildness  and  uncon- 
nectedness  of  his  purpose,  now  resolved  to  make  the  attempt  to  return  alone, 
although  he  knew  not  even  the  situation  of  the  path  he  had  so  recently 
quitted.  He  had  actuall}-^  moved  a  pace  forward  on  his  desperate  enterprise, 
when  he  felt  a  hand  touching  the  extended  arm  with  which  he  groped  to  find 
the  entrance  to  his  hiding  place.  The  unexpected  collision  sent  a  cold  shud- 
der through  his  frame  ;  and  such  was  the  excitement  to  which  he  had  worked 
himself  up,  it  was  not  without  difficulty  he  suppressed  an  exclamation,  that 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophecv. 


lOU 


must  inccitably  have  scaled  his  doom.  Thu  soft  tone  of  Uucanasta's  voice 
re-assured  him. 

"  The  day  will  soon  dawn,"  she  whispered ;  "  the  Saganaw  must  go." 

With  the  return  of  hope  came  the  sense  of  all  he  owed  to  the  devotedness 
of  this  kind  woman.  He  grasped  the  hand  that  still  lingered  on  his  arm, 
pressed  it  attectionntely  in  his  own,  and  then  placed  it  in  silence  on  his  throb- 
bmg  heart.  The  breathing  of  Oucanasta  became  deeper,  and  the  young  oflB- 
cer  fancied  he  could  feel  her  trembling  with  agitation.  Again,  however,  and 
in  a  tone  of  more  subdued  expression,  she  whispered  that  he  must  go. 

There  was  little  urging  ncce.ssiiry  to  induce  a  prompt  compliance  with  the 
hint.  Cautiously  emerging  from  his  concealment,  Captain  do  Ilaldimar  now 
followed  close  in  the  rear  of  his  guide,  who  took  the  same  circuit  of  the  for- 
est to  reach  the  path  that  led  towards  the  fort.  This  they  speedily  gained, 
and  then  pursued  their  course  in  silence,  until  they  at  length  arrived  at  the 
log  wliere  the  exchange  of  mocassins  had  been  made. 

"  Here  the  Saganaw  may  take  breath,"  she  observed,  as  she  seated  herself 
on  the  fallen  tree ;  '•  the  sleep  of  the  red  skin  is  sound,  and  there  is  no  one 
upon  the  path  but  Oucanasta." 

Anxious  as  he  felt  to  secure  his  return  to  the  fort,  there  was  an  implied  so- 
licitation in  the  tones  of  her  to  whom  he  owed  so  much  that  prevented  Cap- 
tain de  Haldimar  from  olfering  an  objection,  which  he  feared  might  be  con- 
strued into  slight. 

For  a  moment  or  two  the  Indian  remained  with  her  arms  folded,  and  her 
head  bent  over  her  chest ;  aud  then,  in  a  low,  deep,  but  tremulous  voice,  ob- 
served.— 

"  AVlien  the  Saganaw  saved  Oucanasta  from  perishing  in  the  angry  .v'aters, 
there  was  a  girl  of  the  pale  faces  witli  him.  whose  skin  was  like  the  snows  of 
the  Canadian  winter,  and  wiioso  hair  was  black  like  the  fur  of  the  squirrel. 
Oucanasta  saw,"  she  pursued,  dropping  her  voice  yet  lower,  "  that  the  Saga- 
naw was  loved  by  the  pale  girl,  and  her  own  heart  was  very  sick,  for  the 
Saganaw  had  saved  her  life,  aud  she  loved  him  too.  But  she  knew  she  was 
very  foolisli,  and  that  an  Indian  girl  could  never  be  the  wife  of  a  handsome 
chief  of  the  Saganaw ;  and  she  prayed  to  the  Great  Spirit  of  the  red  skins  to 
give  hor  strength  to  overcome  her  feelings  ;  but  the  Great  Spirit  was  angry 
with  lier,  and  would  not  hear  her."  She  pause<l  a  moment,  and  then  abruptly 
demanded,  "  Where  is  that  pale  girl  now?" 

Captain  de  Haldimar  had  often  been  rallied,  not  only  by  his  brother  offi- 
cers, but  even  by  his  sister  and  Madeline  de  Ilaldimar  herself,  on  the  conquest 
he  liad  evidently  made  of  the  heart  of  this  Indian  girl.  The  event  to  which 
she  hati  alluded  had  taken  place  several  months  previous  to  the  breaking  out 
of  hostilities.  Oucanasta  was  directing  her  frail  bark,  one  evening,  along  the 
shores  of  the  Detroit,  when  a  gust  of  wind  upset  the  canoe,  and  left  its  pilot 
struggling  amid  the  waves.  Captain  de  Haldimar,  who  happened  to  be  on 
the  bank  at  the  moment  with  his  sister  and  cousin,  was  an  eye-witness  of  her 
danger,  and  instantly  flew  down  the  steep  to  her  assistance.  Being  an  excel- 
lent swimmer,  he  \vas  not  long  in  gaining  the  spot,  where,  exhausted  witli  the 
exertion  she  had  made,  and  encumbered  with  her  awkward  machccoti,  the 
poor  girl  was  already  on  the  point  of  perishing.  But  for  his  timely  assist- 
ance, indeed,  she  nmst  have  sunk  to  the  bottom ;  and  since  that  period,  the 
grati'ful  being  had  been  roniai'ked  for  the  strong  but  unexpressed  attachment 
sliu  f.'lt  for  her  deliverer.  This,  lio.veviT,  was  the  first  moment  Captain  de 
HiiMiniar  became  accjuaintesl  wUh  the  extent  of  feelings,  the  avowal  of  which 
not  a  little  startled  and  surpi'is-ed,  and  even  annoyed  him.  The  last  question, 
hort'cver,  suggested  a  thought  that  kindled  every  fil)re  of  his  being  into  ex- 
pectancy,— Oucanasta  miglit  be  llie  savior  of  those  he  loved  ;  and  he  felt  that 
if  time  were  but  ailbrded  her,  .she  would.  Ho  rose  from  the  log,  dropped  on 
one  knge  before  the  Indian,  seized  both  her  hands  with  eagerness,  and  then 
in  tones  of  earnest  supplicition  whispered, — 


no 


WACO  II  ST  a:    or,    the    prophecy. 


"  Oncanasta  is  riglit :  the  pale  {^irl  with  thi'  skin  like  snow,  ami  hair  like 
the  fill-  of  the  scjUinel,  is  the  liridc  of  the  Sa;j;unaw.  Long  before  he  saved 
the  life  of  Oueiinasta,  he  knew  and  loved  that  pale  girl.  She  is  dearer  to  the 
Saganaw  than  his  own  blood  ;  but  slie  is  in  the  fort  beyond  the  great  lake, 
and  tlie  tomahawks  of  the  red  skins  will  destroy  her ;  for  the  warriors  of  that 
fort  have  no  one  to  tell  them  of  their  danger.  What  says  the  red  girl  ?  will 
she  go  and  save  the  lives  of  the  sister  and  the  wife  of  the  Saganaw  ?" 

The  breathing  of  the  Indian  becnme  deeper;  and  Captain  de  Haldimar  fan- 
cied she  sighed  heavily,  as  she  replied, — 

"  ()u(«iiusla  is  but  a  weak  woman,  aii(i  her  feet  arc  not  swift  like  those  of 
a  runner  among  the  red  skins  ;  but  what  the  Saganaw  asks,  for  his  sake  she 
will  try.  When  she  has  seen  him  .safe  to  his  own  fort,  she  will  go  and  pre- 
pare herself  for  the  Journey.  The  pale  girl  shall  lay  her  head  on  the  bosom 
of  the  Saganaw.  and  Oncanasta  will  try  to  ivjoice  in  her  happiness." 

In  the  fervor  of  iiis  gratitude,  the  young  ofHeer  caught  the  droojiing  form 
of  the  generous  1  ndian  wildly  to  his  heart ;  his  lips  pressed  hers,  and  during 
the  kiss  that  followed,  the  heart  of  the  latter  bounded  and  throbbed  as  if  it 
would  have  jiassed  from  her  own  into  the  bosom  of  her  companion. 

Never  was  a  kiss  less  premeditated,  less  unchaste.  Gratitude,  not  passion, 
had  oalletl  it  fortli ;  and  had  Madeline  de  Haldimar  been  near  at  the  moment, 
the  feeling  that  impelled  the  seeming  infidelit}'^  to  herself  would  have  been  re- 
gurded  as  an  additio'ifl  claim  on  her  affection.  On  the  whole,  however,  it 
w^as  a  most  unfortunati;  and  ill-time<l  kis.s,  and,  as  is  often  the  case  under  such 
circumstances,  led  to  the  downfall  of  the  woman.  In  the  vivacity  of  his  em- 
brace, L'aptain  de  Haldimar  had  drawn  his  guide  so  far  forward  upon  the  log, 
that  she  lost  her  balance,  and  fell  with  a  heavy  and  reverberating  crash  among 
the  leaves  imd  dried  sticks  that  were  strewed  thickly  around. 

Scarcely  a  second  elapsed  when  the  forest  was  alive  M'ith  human  yells,  that 
fell  achingly  on  the  eai-s  of  lK)th ;  and  bounding  warriors  were  heard  on 
every  hand,  rai)idly  diviiling  the  dense  imderwood  they  encountered  in  their 
pursuit.  Quick  as  thought  the  Indian  had  regained  her  feet.  She  grasped 
the  hand  of  her  companion ;  and  hiurying,  though  not  without  caution, 
along  the  path,  again  stood  on  the  biow  of  the  ravine  through  which  they 
liiul  previouslj'  passed. 

"  The  Saganaw  must  go  alone,  she  whispered.  "  The  red  skins  are  close 
upon  our  trail,  but  they  will  find  onl)"^  an  Indian  woman  w^hen  they  expect 
a  i)ale  face.     Oucanasta  will  save  her  friend." 

Captjiiu  de  Haldimar  did  as  he  was  desired.  Clinging  to  the  bushes  that 
lined  the  face  of  the  precipitous  descent,  he  managed  once  more  to  gain  the 
bed  of  the  ravine.  For  a  moment  he  paused  to  listen  to  the  sounds  of  his 
pursuers,  whoso  footsteps  were  now  audible  on  the  eminence  he  had  just 
quitted  ;  and  then,  gathering  himself  up  for  the  leap  that  was  to  enable  him 
to  clear  the  rividet,  he  threw  himself  heavily  forward.  His  feet  alighted  upon 
an  elevated  and  yielding  substance,  that  gave  way  with  a  cra.shing  sound  that 
echoed  far  and  near  throughout  the  forest,  and  he  felt  himself  secured  as  if  in 
a  trap.  Although  despairing  of  escape,  he  groped  with  his  hands  to  discover 
what  it  was  that  thus  detained  him,  and  found  he  had  fallen  through  a  bark 
canoe,  the  bottom  of  which  had  been  turned  upwards.  The  heart  of  the  fu- 
gitive now  sank  within  him :  there  could  be  no  doubt  that  his  retreat  was  in- 
tercepted. The  canoe  had  been  placed  there  since  he  last  passed  through  the 
ravine :  and  it  was  evident  from  the  close  and  triumphant  yell  that  followeti 
the  rending  of  the  frail  bark,  such  a  result  had  been  anticipated. 

Stunned  as  he  was  by  the  terrific  cries  of  the  savages,  and  confused  as  were 
his  ideas.  ('ai)t;uii  fii;  Ilaldiniar  had  still  presence  of  mind  to  perceive  the  path 
itself  oU'erod  him  no  I'urther  security.  He  therefore  quitted  it  altogether,  and 
struck,  in  an  oblit|tio  direction,  up  the  opjjosite  face  of  the  ravine.  Scarcely 
had  he  gone  twenl\  Yards,  when  ho  board  (be  voices  of  several  Indians  con- 
vevsin;>,'  cir.ncslly  iiviir  (lie  iMiioe  lie  bad  ju<(  tjritled  ;  and  pivsently  .afterwards 


'  .* 


W  A  C  O  U  8  T  A  ;      OR,     T  II  K     I'  R  0  P  II  E  C  Y  . 


Ill 


lie  oould  ili.stiiK'tly  lieiir  them  ascemlin;;  the  opposito  Uvdw  of  tlie  ravine  by 
tlie  pnth  he  liail  retviitly  loiigiutulated  hiinscH'oii  liuviiif!;  ubasdoned.  To  ad- 
vance or  to  recede  was  now  ecjually  impraotic-ahle :  for.  on  every  side,  he  was 
hejiirt  by  enemies,  into  wliose  hands  a  single  false  step  must  inevitably  betray 
him.  What  would  he  not  have  f!,iven  for  the  presence  of  Oucanusta,  who  was 
so  capable  of  advising  him  in  this  dilliculty !  but,  from  the  moment  of  his  de- 
scending into  thie  ravine,  ho  had  utterly  lost  sight  of  !>er. 

The  spot  on  which  he  now  resteil  was  covei'ed  with  thick  brushwood,  closely 
interwoven  at  their  tops,  but  affording  sufficient  space  beneath  for  a  temporary 
close  concealment ;  so  that,  unless  some  Indiiin  should  touch  him  with  his 
foot,  there  was  little  seeming  probal)ility  of  his  being  discovered  by  the  eye. 
Under  this  he  crept,  and  lay,  breathless  and  motionless,  with  his  liead  raised 
from  the  ground,  and  his  ear  on  the  stretch  for  the  slightest  noise.  For  several 
minutes  lie  remained  in  this  position,  vainly  seeking  to  catch  the  sound  of  a 
voice,  or  the  fall  of  a  footstep ;  but  the  most  deathlike  silence  had  succeeded 
to  the  fierce  yellings  that  had  so  recently  rent  the  forest.  At  times  he  fancied 
he  could  distinguish  faint  noises  in  the  direction  of  the  encampment ;  and  so 
certain  was  he  of  this,  he  at  length  came  to  the  conclusion  that  the  Indians, 
either  balUed  ip  their  search,  had  relinquished  the  pursuit,  or,  ha%  ing  encount- 
ered Ouctuiasta,  had  been  thrown  on  a  dillerent  scent.  His  first  intention  had 
been  to  lie  concealed  until  the  following  night,  whc.t  the  warriors,  no  longer 
on  the  alert,  should  leave  the  {)ath  once  more  open  to  him  ;  but  now  that  the 
conviction  of  their  return  was  strong  on  his  mind,  he  changed  his  determina- 
tion, resolving  to  make  the  best  of  his  way  to  the  fort  with  the  aid  of  the  ap- 
])roaching  dawn.  With  this  view  he  partly  withdrew  his  body  from  beneath 
its  canopy  of  underwood  ;  but  scarce!}-  had  he  done  so,  when  a  hundred  tongues, 
like  the  baj'ing  of  so  many  blood-hounds,  again  rent  the  air  with  their  wild 
cries,  which  sc  uied  to  r'se  up  from  the  very  bowels  of  the  earth,  and  close  to 
the  appalled  ear  of  the  young  officer. 

Scjircely  conscious  of  what  he  did.  Captain  de  Ilaldimar  grasped  one  of  his 
pistols,  for  he  fancied  he  felt  the  hot  breathing  of  human  life  upon  his  cheek. 
With  a  sickl}-  sensation  of  fear,  he  turned  to  satisfy  himself  whether  it  was 
not  an  illusion  of  his  heated  imagination.  What,  however,  was  his  dismay, 
when  he  beheld  bending  over  him  a  dark  and  heavy  form,  the  outline  of  which 
aione  was  distinguishable  in  the  deep  gloom  in  which  the  ravine  remained  en- 
veloped !  Desperation  was  in  the  he.art  of  the  excited  officer :  he  cocked  his 
pistol ;  but  scarcely  had  the  sharp  clicking  sound  floated  on  the  air,  when  he 
felt  a  powerful  hand  upon  his  chest ;  and,  with  as  much  facility  as  if  he  had 
been  a  child,  was  he  raised  by  that  invisible  hand  to  his  feet.  A  doz«n  war- 
riors now  sprang  to  the  assistance  of  their  comrade,  when  the  whole,  having 
disarmed  and  bound  their  prisoner,  led  liiiu  back  in  triumph  to  their  encamp- 
ment. 


CHAPTER  XVIIl. 


The  fires  of  tho  Indians  were  now  nearly  extinct ;  but  the  faint  light  of  the 
fast  dawning  day  threw  a  ghastlj',  sicklj-,  hue  over  the  countenances  of  the 
savages,  which  rendered  them  even  more  terrific  in  their  war  paint.  The 
chiefs  grouped  themselves  immediately  around  their  prisoner,  while  the  inferior 
■warriors,  forming  an  outer  circle,  stood  leaning  their  dark  forms  upon  their 
rifles,  and  following,  with  keen  and  watchful  eye,  every  movement  of  their 
captive.  Hitherto  the  unfortunate  officer  had  been  too  much  engrossed  by 
his  despair  to  pay  any  immediate  attention  to  the  individual  who  had  first 
discovered  and  seized  him.  It  was  .suflicient  for  him  to  know  all  hope  of  the 
.safety  of  the  garrison  had  perished  with  his  cajjtivity  ;  and,  with  that  reck- 


V 


U3 


wacocsta;    or,   thk    propiikcy, 


Icssni'K.s  of  life  wliicli  often  springs  from  the  very  consciousness  of  iniibility  to 
preserve  it,  he  nflw  sullonly  awaited  the  death  wliicii  he  expected  at  eacli  mo- 
ment would  be  iiitiictcd.  Suddenly  his  ear  was  startled  by  an  interrogatory, 
in  En(j;Iish,  from  one  who  stood  behind  him. 

With  a  movement  of  surprise,  Captain  do  Haldimar  turned  to  exain«ne  his 
questioner.  It  was  the  dark  and  ferocious  warrio/  who  had  exhibited  the 
scalp  of  his  ill-fated  servant.  For  a  moment  the  officer  fixed  his  eyes  iirmly 
and  unshrinkin;;ly  on  those  of  the  savage,  seeking  to  reconcile  the  contradic- 
tion that  existed  between  his  dress  and  features  and  the  purity  of  the  Knglish 
he  had  just  spoken.  The  other  saw  his  drift,  and,  impatient  of  the  scrutiny, 
again  repeated,  as  he  fiercely  pulled  the  strong  leathern  thong  by  v.hich  the 
prisoner  now  fonw\  himself  secured  to  his  girdle. — 

"  Who  and  what  are  you  ? — whence  come  you  ? — and  for  what  purpo.so  are 
you  here?"  Then,  as  if  struck  by  some  sudden  recollection,  he  laid  his  hand 
upon  the  shoulder  of  his  victim  ;  and,  while  his  eye  grew  upon  his  features, 
he  pin-sucd.  in  a  tone  of  vehemence, — "  lla !  by  heaven,  I  should  know  that 
face! — the  cursed  lines  of  the  blond  of  I)e  Haldimar  are  stamped  upon  that 
brow !  Eut  stay,  one  proof  and  I  am  satisfied."  While  ho  yet  spoke  he  dashed 
the  menial  llat  of  his  captive  to  the  earth,  put  aside  his  hair,  and  then,  with 
fiendish  exultation,  pursued, — ''  It  is  even  so.  Do  you  recollect  the  battle  of 
the  plains  of  Abraham,  Captain  dc  Haldimar?  Recollect  you  the  French 
officer  who  aimed  so  desperately  at  your  life,  and  whose  object  was  defeated 
by  a  soldier  of  your  regiment  ?  I  am  that  officer  ;  my  victim  escaped  niu  then, 
but  not  for  ever.  The  hour  of  vengeance  is  now  nearly  arrived,  and  your 
o^iplure  is  the  pledge  of  my  success.  Hark,  how  the  death-cry  of  all  his  hated 
race  will  i-ing  in  madness  on  your  father's  ear  !" 

Amazement,  stupefaction,  and  hon'or,  filled  the  mind  of  the  wretched  oflicer 
at  this  extraordinary  decliiratiou.  He  pcrfectlj'  recollected  that  the  individual 
who  had  evinced  so  much  personal' hostility  on  the  occasion  alluded  to,  was 
indeed  a  man  wearin  i  the  French  uniform,  althou;"li  at  the  head  of  a  band  of 
savages,  and  of  a  stature  and  strength  similar  to  those  of  him  who  now  so 
fiercely  avowed  himself  the  bitter  mid  deadly  foe  of  all  his  race.  If  this  were 
so,  and  his  tone  ami  language  leit  little  room  for  doubt,  the  doom  of  the  ill- 
fated  garrison  was  indeed  irrevocably  sealed.  This  mysterious  enemy  evi- 
dently possessed  great  intiucnce  in  the  councils  of  the  Indians  :  and  while  the 
hot  breath  of  his  hatred  continued  to  fan  the  fiame  of  fierce  hostilitj'  that  had 
been  kindled  in  the  bosom  of  Ponteac,  whose  particulai-  friend  he  appeared  to 
be,  there  wojdd  be  no  end  to  the  atrocities  that  must  follow.  Great,  however, 
as  was  the  dismay  of  Captain  de  Haldimar,  who,  exhausted  with  the  adven- 
tures of  the  night,  presented  a  ghastly  image  of  anxiety  and  fatigue,  it  was 
hnpos.sible  for  him  to  repress  the  feelings  of  indignation  with  which  the  lan- 
guage of  this  fierce  man  had  inspired  him. 

"  If  you  are  in  reality  a  French  oflicer,"  he  said,  "  and  not  an  Englishman 
as  your  ac(>ent  Ayould  denote,  the  sentiments  you  have  now  avowed  may  well 
justify  the  belief,  that  you  have  been  driven  with  ignominy  from  a  service 
which  your  presence  must  ( ternally  have  di.^graced.  There  is  no  country  in 
Europe  that  would  willingly  claim  you  for  its  subject.  Nay,  even  the  .'•avage 
race,  with  whom  you  are  now  connected,  woidd,  if  apprised  of  your  tiue 
nature,  spurn  you  as  a  ti.ing  unworthy  to  herd  even  with  their  wolf-dogs." 

A  tierce  .'sardonic  laugh  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  warrior,  but  this  was  so 
mingled  with  rage  as  to  give  an  almost  devili.sh  expres.sion  to  his  features. 

"  Ignominy — ignominy  !"'  he  repeated,  while  his  right  hand  played  convid-  ' 
sively  with  the  handle  of  his  tomahawk  ;  "is  it  for  a  T)e  Hahlimar  to  taunt 
me  with  ignominy  '?  Fool !"  he  pursued,  after  a  momentary  pau.se,  "you  have 
sealed  your  doom."  Then  abruptly  quitting  the  liandle.of  his  weapon,  he 
thrust  his  hand  into  his  bosom,  and  again  drawing  forth  the  reeking  scalp  of 
Donellan,  he  dashed  it  furiously  in  the  face  of  his  prisoner.  "  Not  two  hours 
since."  he  exclaimed.  "  I  cheered  myself  with  the  thought  that  the  scalp  of  a 


H'acousta;     or,   the    prophecy. 


113 


Do  Haldiniar  wan  in  my  puucli.  Now.  indeed,  do  [  glory  in  mj  mintake. 
The  tortiiri'  will  be  a  more  Httinp;  death  for  yon." 

Had  an  ami  of  the  insulted  soldier  been  at  liberty,  the  offence  would  not 
have  gone  nnavenj^ed  even  there  ;  for  .suclj  wa.-^  the  (le.speration  of  his  lieart, 
that  lie  felt  he  could  have  hugged  the  death  struggle  with  his  insolent  ca])tor, 
notwithstanding  the  fearful  txlds,  nor  (juitted  hiiu  until  one  or  both  should 
ha'  >  id  the  debt  of  fierce  enmity  witti  life.  As  it  was  ho  could  only  betray, 
by  IS  Hashing  eye.  excited  look,  und  the  impatient  play  of  his  foot  upon  the 
groimd,  the  deep  indignation  that  eonsutnod  his  heart. 

The  tall  savage  exulted  in  the  mortiffcntion  he  had  awakened,  and  as  his 
eye  glanced  insolently  from  head  to  foot  along  his  enemy,  its  expression  told 
how  much  he  laughed  at  the  inijioteiu'e  of  his  anger.  »Suddenly,  however,  a 
change  piisse<l  over  liis  fjaUu'is.  'i"be  mocassin  of  the  officer  had  evidently 
attracted  his  attention,  and  he  now  demanded,  in  a  moic  serious  and  impe;  • 
tivo  tone. — 

"  Ha  !  what  means  this  di.sgui.se  ?  Who  is  the  wretch  whom  T  have  slain, 
mistaking  him  for  a  noblei'  vicliin  ;  and  how  comes  it  that  an  officer  of  the 
i']nglish  garrison  appears  here  in  tlie  garb  of  a  servant?  liy  heaven,  it  is 
.so!  you  are  come  as  a  sjn' iutit  the  rtnip  ef  tlio  Indians  to  steal  away  the 
councils  of  the  cliieT-.     .^'"pi-uk,  what  h:i\c  you  heard  ?" 

With  these  (juestioiis  returned  tlie  eahn  and  self-pos.sc.ssion  of  the  officer, 
lie  at  once  saw  the  i»ij)ort:inee  of  his  answer,  on  which  hung  not  merely  his 
own  last  faint  clianee  of  safety,  but  that  also  of  his  generous  deliverer.  Strug- 
gling to  subdue  the  disgust  which  he  felt  at  holding  converse  with  this  atrocious 
monster,  he  asked  in  turn. — 

'•  Am  I  then  the  on!v  one  v.lunn  the  warriors  have  overtaken  in  their  pur- 
suit ?» 

"  There  was  a  Avoniau,  the  sister  of  that  boy."  and  he  pointed  contemptu- 
ou.sly  to  the  young  chief  who  had  so  recently  assailefl  him,  and  who  now,  in 
common  with  his  followers,  stoorl  impatiently  listening  to  a  colloquy  ttiat  was 
unintelligible  to  all.  " .Speak  tru.ly,  Mas  slie  not  the  traitress  who  conducted 
yon  here  ?" 

"  Ilail  yon  found  r.ie  here."  ivtuniod  the  o I' icer.  with  difficulty  repressing 
his  feelings,  ''  then;  might  have  been  .some  ground  for  the  assertion ;  but 
surely  the  councils  of  the  chiefs  conld  not  be  overheard  at  the  distant  point  at 
which  you  discovered  lue." 

"  Wiiy  then  were  you  there  in  this  disguise  ? — and  who  is  lie  "  again  hold- 
ing up  tiie  bloody  scalp,  "  v,-]u)!;i  f  h,iv(!  despoiled  of  this  ?" 

"There  are  few  of  tlie  Ottawa  indiiins."  returned  (inptain  do  Ilaldimar, 
'•  who  are  ignor.int  tlii'.t  T  once  saved  th.it  young  woman's  life.  Is  it  tlien  .so 
vcr}'  extraordinary  an  j; ttachitu'ut  should  have  been  th%  .onsequence  ?  The 
man  whom  you  slew  w;'..-;  my  soi'vniit.  1  had  brought  him  out  with  me  for 
proteetiou  duiiu'i'  my  iiilvrvimr  wit'ii  tiie  woman,  and  1  exchanged  any  uniform 
with  him  for  the  .aiiio  ]i'i!  ;>o-e.  'Hivix  i>  nothing  in  this,  however,  to  warrant 
the  siqiposition  of  my  beiiv.c  a  spy." 

Durinp,' the  deliv.'vy  of  i;i(.«j  nimv  ihau  equivocal  scnteiii'es,  which,  how- 
ever, lie  fell  v.-ere  I'liily  justilied  by  circunwtances,  the  young  ollicer  had  strug- 
gled to  appear  calm  and  coiiliileiit :  hul,  desjiite  of  his  e.vei'tiinis,  his  con- 
,sciousn,-.-s  caused  his  cheek  to  color,  and  his  ej'e  to  quail  beneath  the 
seareiiiiig  glance  of  lii.-;  fevciows  eneiiiy.  The  latlei-  thrust  liis  haiid  into  his 
chest, au' I  slowly  tb-ew  fritb.  rlie  vo])e  he  had  }v,vvii)u.-Iy  exhibited  to  Ir'onteac. 

'"Do  yon  think  me  a  Ibo!.  (Vipiain  d?  ilaldir.iar,"  he  observed  sneeringl}'', 
••  that  yov  expect  so  ])aitry  a  tale  to  be  palmed  .successfully  on  my  under- 
standing ?  An  iiU'.'.lish  oilicer  is  u'.:  Vi.'i-v  likiiy  to  vi'.n  tlie  lisk  of  breaking 
his  neck  I>y  bavin;',-  recourse  to  such  a  means  of  exit  irom  a  besieged  garri.son, 
merely  to  intrigue  with  an  Indian  woman,  when  there  are  plenty  of  soldiers' 
wives  within,  and  that  too  at  an  liour  whcu  he  knows  the  .scouts  of  his  ene- 


wacouita;  or,  the  prophecy. 


114 


miet  «re  prowling  in  the  neif^lihorhoud.  Captain  de  lliildiinar,"  liu  concluded, 
slowly  and  delibt'rately.  "  you  have  lied." 

Despite  of  the  latit  inHult,  liiH  i)ri.suner  remained  calm.  The  very  obse^- 
vatioa  that  had  just  been  made  aftnrdcd  him  a  tinal  hope  of  exculpation, 
which,  if  it  benetltud  uot  himself,  mi^ht  still  be  uf  Hervico  to  the  generous 
Ou'Jmasta. 

"  The  onus  of  such  language."  he  observed  coolly  and  with  dipnity,  "  &lls 
not  on  him  to  whom  it  is  addressed,  but  on  him  who  utters  it.  Yet  one  who 
professes  to  have  been  hiinself  a  soldier,  must  see  in  this  very  circumstance  a 
proof  of  my  innocence.  Had  I  been  sent  out  as  a  spy  to  reconnoitre  the 
movements,  and  to  overheai-  the  council  of  oui-  enemies,  the  jjate  would  have 
been  open  for  my  egress  ;  but  that  rone  is  in  itself  an  evidence  I  must  have 
stolen  forth  unknown  to  the  ;<:aj']isun. ' 

Whether  it  was  that  the  warrior  had  his  own  particular  reasons  for  attach- 
ing truth  to  this  statement,  or  that  he  meiely  pretended  to  do  so.  Captain  de 
Haldinaar  saw  with  secret  stitisfaction  his  last  argument  was  couclusive. 

"  Well,  be  it  so,"  retorte<l  the  sjivage,  while  a  ferocious  smile  passed  over  his 
swarthy  features  ;  "  but,  whether  you  have  been  here  us  a  spy,  or  have  merely 
ventured  out  in  prosecution  of  an  intrigue,  it  matters  not.  Before  the  sun 
has  travelled  far  in  the  meridian  you  die ;  and  the  tomahawk  of  your  father's 
deadly  foe — of— of— of  Wacousta,  us  I  am  called,  shall  be  the  first  to  drink 
your  blood." 

The  officer  made  a  final  effort  at  mercy.  "  Who  or  what  you  are,  or  whence 
yoiur  hatred  of  my  family,  I  know  not,"  he  said  ;  ''  but  surely  T  have  never 
mjured  you :  wherefore,  then,  this  insatiable  thirst  for  my  blood  ?  If  you  are 
indeed  a  Christian  and  a  soldier,  let  ^our  heart  be  touched  with  humanity, 
and  procure  my  restoration  to  my  friends.  You  once  attempted  my  life  m 
honorable  combat,  why  not  wait,  then,  until  a  fitting  opportunity  shall  give 
not  a  bound  and  defenceless  victim  to  your  steel,  but  one  whose  resistance 
may  render  him  a  conquest  worthy  of  your  arm  ?" 

"What !  und  be  balked  of  the  chance  of  my  just  revenge  l  Hear  me,  Cap- 
tain de  Haldimar,"  he  pursued,  in  that  low,  quick,  deep  tone  that  told  all  the 
strong  excitement  of  his  heart : — "  I  have,  it  is  true,  no  particular  enmity  to 
yourself,  further  than  that  you  are  a  De  ilaldimar  ;  but  hell  does  not  supply 
a  fteling  half  so  bitter  as  my  enmity  to  your  proud  father :  and  months,  nay 
years,  have  I  passed  in  the  hope  of  such  an  hour  as  this.  For  this  I  have  for- 
sworn ray  race  and  become — what  you  now  behold  me — a  savage  both  in 
garb  and  character.  But  this  matters  not,"  he  continued,  fiercely  and  impa- 
tiently, "  your  doom  is  s<.-alcd  ;  and  before  another  sun  has  risen,  your  stem 
father's  gaze  shall  be  blasted  with  the  sight  of  the  mangled  carcass  of  his  first 
hon.  Ha !  lia !  ha !"  und  he  laughed  low  and  exultingly,  "  even  now  I  think 
I  see  him  withering,  if  heart  so  hard  cun  wither,  beneath  this  proof  of  my 
undying  hate." 

"  Fiend ! — monster  ! — devil ! "  exclaimed  the  excited  officer,  now  losing  sight 
of  all  considerations  of  prudence  in  the  deep  horror  inspired  by  his  captor  :— 
"  Kill  me — torture  me — commit  any  cruelty  on  me,  if  such  be  your  savage 
will ;  but  outrage  not  humanity  by  the  fulfilment  of  your  last  disgusting 
threat.  Suffer  not  a  father's  heart  to  be  agonised — a  father's  eye  to  be 
blasted — with  a  view  of  the  mangled  remains  of  him  to  whom  he  has  given 
life." 

Again  the  savage  rudely  pulled  the  thong  that  bound  his  prisoner  to  his 
girdle,  und  removing  his  tomahawk  from  his  belt,  and  holding  its  suUied 
point  close  under  the  eye  of  the  Ibriner,  exclaimed,  as  he  bent  eagerly  over 
him, — 

"  See  you  this,  Captain  de  Haldimar  1  At  the  still  hour  of  midnight,  while 
you  had  abandoned  your  guard  to  revel  in  the  arms  of  your  Indian  beauty, 
I  stole  into  the  fort  by  meuus  of  the  same  rope  that  you  had  used  in  quitting 
it.    Unseen  by  the  sentinels,  I  gained  your  father's  apartment.     It  was  the 


114 


WACOUSTA 


O  II  , 


r  II  K     PROPHECY. 


tl& 


first  time  we  Jind  luel  for  twenty  years ;  unci  1  do  believe,  thut  liad  the  r«ry 
devd  liiniBolf  piexeiiKd  himself  in  my  pliipe,  iic  would  liave  been  received  with 
fewer  marks  of  horror.  (Jh,  how  that  proud  man's  cyo  quailed  beneath  this 
glittering  blade  !  lie  attempted  to  cull  out,  b)it  my  look  parulyscd  his  tongue, 
and  eold  drops  of  sweat  stole  rapidly  down  his  brow  and  cheek.  Then  it  yrus 
that  my  seared  heart  onco  more  beat  with  the  intoxication  of  triumph.  Your 
father  was  alone  and  unarmed,  and  throughout  the  fort  not  a  sound  was  to  be 
heard,  save  the  distant  tread  of  the  sentinels.  T  could  have  laid  him  dead  at 
my  feet  at  a  single  blow,  and  yet  have  secured  my  retreat.  But  no,  that  was 
not  my  object.  I  came  to  taunt  him  with  the  promise  of  my  revenge — to  tell 
him  the  hour  of  my  triumph  was  approaching  fast ;  and,  ha ! "  ho  concluded, 
laughing  hideously  as  he  passed  his  largo  rude  hand  through  the  wavy  hair 
of  the  now  uncovered  officer,  "  this  is,  indeed,  a  fair  and  unexpected  flret 
earnest  of  the  full  redemption  of  my  pledge.  No — no  !"  ho  continued,  as  if 
talking  to  himself,  "  ho  must  not  die.  Tantalus-like,  he  shall  have  death  erer 
apparently  within  his  grasp ;  but  until  all  his  race  have  perished  before  his 
eyes,  he  shall  not  attain  it."« 

Hitherto  the  Indians  had  preserved  an  attitude  of  quiet,  listening  to  the 
interrogatories  put  to  the  prisoner  with  that  wonder  and  curiosity  with  which 
a  savage  people  hear  a  language  different  from  their  own ;  and  marking  the 
several  emotions  that  were  elicited  in  the  course  of  the  animated  coHoqOT  of 
the  pale  faces.  Gradually,  however,  they  became  impatient  under  its  dlnra- 
tion  ;  and  many  of  them,  m  the  excitement  produced  by  the  fierce  maimer 
of  him  who  was  called  Wacousta,  fixed  their  dark  eyes  upon  the  captive, 
while  they  grasped  tho  handles  of  their  tomahawks,  as  if  they  would  hate 
disputed  with  the  former  the  pnvilegc  of  dying  his  weapon  first  in  his  blood. 
When  they  saw  the  warrior  hold  up  his  menacing  blade  to  the  eye  of  his  tic*- 
tiin,  while  he  passed  his  hand  through  the  redundant  hair,  that  at  onoe  in- 
ferred the  sacrifice  was  about  to  be  completed,  and  rushing  furiously  forwaard, 
they  bounded,  and  leaped,  and  yelled,  and  brandished  their  own  weap<»is  in 
the  most  appalling  manner. 

Already  had  the  unhappy  officer  given  himself  up  for  lost ;  fifty  bright 
tomahawks  were  playing  about  his  head  at  the  same  instant,  and  deaUi— 
that  death  which  is  never  without  terror  to  the  young,  however  brave  tbMr 
may  be  in  the  hour  of  generous  conflict — seemed  to  have  arrived  at  last,  tie 
raised  his  eyes  to  heaven,  committing  his  soul  to  his  God  in  the  same  sileni 
prayer  that  he  offered  up  for  the  preservation  of  his  friends  and  comrades ; 
and  then  bending  them  upon  the  earth,  summoned  all  his  collectedness  and 
courage  to  sustain  him  through  the  trial.  At  the  very  moment,  howe'f«^ 
when  he  expected  to  feel  the  crashing  steel  within  his  brain,  he  felt  hinaaelr 
again  violently  pulled  by  the  thong  that  secured  his  hands.  In  the  next  in^ 
stant  he  was  pressed  close  to  the  chest  of  his  vast  enemy,  who,  with  one  ami 
encircling  his  prisoner,  and  the  other  brandishing  his  fierce  blade  in  npid 
evolutions  round  his  head,  kept  the  yelling  band  at  bay,  with  the  evident  un- 
shaken determination  to  maintain  his  sole  and  acknowledged  right  to  the 
disposal  of  his  captive. 

For  several  moments  the  event  appeared  doubtful ;  but,  notwithstanding 
his  extreme  agility  in  the  use  of  a  weapon,  in  the  management  of  which  he 
evinced  all  the  dexterity  of  the  most  practised  native,  the  mlds  were  fearfVdly 
against  Wacousta ;  and  while  his  flashing  eye  and  swelling  chest  betrayed  hi.i 
purpose  rather  to  perish  himself  than  suffer  the  infringement  of  his  claim,  it 
was  evident  that  numbers  must,  in  the  end,  prevail  against  him.  On  an  ap- 
peal to  Ponteac,  however,  of  which  he  now  suddenly  bethought  him<wl{i  the 
authority  of  the  latter  was  successfully  exerted,  and  he  was  again  left  in  the 
full  and  undisturbed  possession  of  his  prisoner. 

A  low  and  earnest  conversation  now  ensm-d  among  the  chiefs,  in  which,  as 
before,  Wacousta  bore  a  principal  part.  When  this  was  terminated,  several 
Indians  upproaclii'd  tlio  unlnipity  oUicer,  and  unftistening-  the  thong  with 


I  in 


W    A  C  O  U  H  T  A 


O  It 


•r  U  K     PROPHECY. 


whii:li  hi.,  linml..  wvw  lirnilv  tiii'l  cvin  fuiinfiilly  Kill,  <lf|>rivnl  liini  Iwth  of 

iiiuiiiKr,  liiti  Ixxlv  1>('.-.iiii'iin'i1  wiili  pnint,  uinl  liis  head  so  dis^iiisi'd  ii.s  to  pvu 
tiiiii  till'  emir  :tiiri'  .sciiililaiict'  n)'  Imlian  w.in-ior.  VVlu'ii  tlu'so  |)r»:|»ni'fttion.H 
w*'iv  coiiiplclcd.  Ill'  was  lri|  1(1  ilic  \nv  in  wliii^h  lie  Imd  hcon  iprcviniislv  con- 
ci'iilfd,  and  tluf  •  llin»!_v  ."•ictiicd.  .Mi'.uiwliilo  VVnc«-ustii,  ni.  tin-  lieail  of  u  im- 
luiTow.s  l)aiid  III"  wairidi'.s,  Imd' dcjiiii'lcd  oini'  iiiori'  in  Uk;  diivction  til'tlic  lbr(,. 

Willi  tlic  li.^ii.j.-;  Ill'  iIk-  .sun  uow  , anislici]  all  Ivacc.-i  of  llii'  mist  that  had  lallon 
.siniv!  tin-  I'aily  lionr.s  ofmoniin,  .  ii  avin;.;  llii'  nnfortunato  oIliiTr  arnjilo  leisure 
to  wirv.-y  tlin  dillli".dlii'.^  of  his  pK.sltinn.  Ilo  had  HiiiiMod,  from  tho  course 
taken  hy  his  jinidu  Uii'  jiievioiii.  iii.;Iit,  that  Iho  jilain  or  (<asis,  as  wi;  have  elso- 
wlioro  liiniL'd  it,  Iny  in  thrviiy  IilmiI  oI'IIil'  Curi.-'L;  hiil  tint  route  now j)rov 
«'d  to  havo  hetii  ciriiiiloii,-;.  Tiic  tree  to  which  he  was  hound  was  one  of  a 
sligiit  heU,  .sepaiiU.iii;;'  tlie  eiuiinii>ment  h'oni  tlie  open  firounds  which  cxtoiid- 
vaI  towards  the  river,  and  which  was  so  thin  and  .scattered  on  that  side  as  to 
Kinvc  the  clear  silver  waters  of  the  Detroit  visililu  at  intervals.  Oh.  what 
wtmld  he  not  have  Kiveii.  «l  thai  clii'erin;;  sij'ht,  \o  have  Imil  his  linihs  fre  . 
niul  hi.>'.  chaneo  Kriil'e  slaked  on  the  swil'tness  ol'his  Hipihl !  WHiile  ho  had  iir- 
iiniiied  hiinsell'bepirt  b}' inlerniiualde  lorestjie  felt  as  one  whose  very  thom;hi, 
to  elude  lho.se  who  were  in.  some  dej;rou,  the  deities  of  that  wild  scone,  must 
he  puraly.sed  in  its  first  conce|)tion.  Mut  here  was  the  vivifyinp;  picture  of  ci- 
vilised nature.  Corn  lields,  idtlu>U};ii  Irodden  down  an<I  destroyed — dwelling 
house.s,  although  l/urnl  or  dilapid-ited — told  of  the  existence  of  those  who 
were  ('f  the  sauie  rjice  with  hiiii;;eir;  and  nolwithstunding  the.se  had  perishwl 
even  us  he  must  [(erish,  still  there. was  .soniethinj;;  in  tho  aspect  of  the  very 
ruiri.s  of  their  linhitutions  which,  {•onlrnsted  with  the  .solemn  (riocmi  of  tho 
forest,  carried  a  momeutary  and  inileliual)Ie  con.solation  to  his  spirit.  Then 
thero  was  the  ri))eand  teeming;  orvhard,  and  tho  low  whitewashed  cabin  of  tho 
CttJiadian  pia.sant.  to  whom  the  otllees  of  chanty,  and  tlie  duties  of  linnianity, 
wore  no  stran-.'-i  rs  ;  and  who.  also.  althoii;>h  tho  .secret  enemies  of  his  country, 
hud  no  motive  for  personal  hostility  towards  liimsell'.  Then,  on  the  river  itself, 
even  at  that  e.irly  hour,  was  to  !h;  .-eeii,  I'astened  to  the  long'  stake  driven  into 
itched,  or  .siemud  hy  the  iiidc  anchor  of  stone  uppendtd  to  a  cable  of  twisted 
bark,  the  light  canoe  or  clumsy  periui;ua  «if  the  peasant  (Ishcrman,  wlio, 
over  and  anon,  dvcw  up  from  its  deep  bosom  whatever  tenant  of  these  waters 
laiffhl  chance  to  ailix  itself  to  the  traitorous  hook.  It  is  true  that  liis  view 
of  the.-.o  objects  was  only  occasional  and  indistinct;  but  his  intimate  acquain- 
tance with  the  localities  beyond  brought  everything  before  v'aptnin  do  Haldi- 
raar'.s  eye ;  and  even  while  iie  sif^bed  to  think  they  were  for  e\  t  cut  off  from 
his  reach,  ho  already,  in  idea,  followed  tho  cour.se  of  flight  he  should  jjursuc 
were  tho  power  but  aflurded  him. 

From  this  train  of  painful  and  e.witinp,'  thoiij;ht  tho  wietclicd  captive  was 
aroused,  by  a  faint  but  conliiiuci  yollinn;  in  a  distant  part  of  the  forest,  and  in 
the  direction  that  had  been  taken  by  Wacou.sta  and  his  warriors,  'i'hcn,  after 
^  short  intervjii.  cauK  the  loud  boomiui;'  of  the  cannon  of  the  fort,  carried  on 
with  a  spirit,  and  inoiaptitudi!  that  uild  of  some  pressing;  and  dnnfrcrons  cm- 
crfioncy,  anil  f.iiiittr  iilkrwards  the  sharp  shrill  reports  of  tho  rilles.  beai'inp; 
evidence  tlu:  sava;.',;'s  were  iilread3'  in  clo.-e  collision  with  toe  garrison.  Va- 
rious vicre  theconji.ctnres  that  passed  rapidl\'  through  the  mind  of  the  young 
officer,  daring  a  tiriici-  that  had  called  almost  every  Indian  in  tlie  encampment 
away  to  the  scene  of  action,  .save  the  tv/o  or  three  young  Ottawas  who  had  been 
left  to  guaiu  his  own  person,  and  who  lay  upon  tho  swanl  near  him,  with 
heiid  crec!  ai.l  ear  •ha'-ply  set  li.steiiing  to  the  startling  sounds  of  conflict. 
What  the  motive  of  the  hurrie;!  riej)arturc  of  the  Indians  was  ho  knew  not ; 
bnt  ho  had  coniectured  the  object  of  the  I'lerce  Wacousta  Avas  to  possess  him- 
self of  liio  nnilbrfii  in  which  his  wretched  .servant  was  clothed,  that  no  mistake 
might  occur  in  his  identity,  when  its  true  owner  should  be  exhibited  in  it, 
within  view  of  the  fort,  maivoel  uiid  disfi'mrcd,  in  tho  munner  that  llorce  and 


w  A  t;  o  u  s  T  '.  ;    OR,    r  ii  k    I'  m  o  i'  h  k  c  y 


117 


myHtt'rioiH  iiinn  luiil  lUrcudy  ttivriiU'ii'"i.  Ii-  vas  i.!\i  (■(•<lii)v,iy  iir.ihuldo  tlw 
Ixxly  of  l>(>iu>lluii  liiut  Im'cii  iniMtuki'U  tor  his  own,  iiinl  tli;it  in  tin-  iin\k'ty  of 
his  fathtT  lu  iirovcnt  tin-  Indians  IVoni  <iiny'nL;  il  oil.  ilmciinuon  \\;v[  Iduii 
diriMitc'd  to  open  U|Ktn  Wwrn.  lint  ii'  tliis  wi'ii  llio  nixc.  how  \vi  re  i hu  lotiortH 
of  tl»e  ."iflcs,  iHid  the  (lurcc  yi'llin):s  tlmt  idnliniud.  savo  ut  iiiloiMilH,  to  ring; 
throiif^hout  the  forest  to  he  a/ronnlfd  lor?  'I'liu  hiilluts  ol'  liio  InihiiiiH  evi- 
dently eoiild  not  reach  the  fort,  i\nd  they  were  too  wify.  iviid  iinachod  too 
much  value  to  their  ainnnniitiou,  to  risk  ii  slioi  tliut  wiis  not  cortiiin  of  rurry- 
inn  11  woiuid  with  it.  For  a  nnnncnt  the  luct,  ilsell'  liasli'  d  rici';),<M  his  mind, 
and  lie  attrihutod  the  the  of  siuiill  arms  to  ilic  altnk  and  diflinci'  of  a  jmrty 
that  iiiui  iK'cn  sent  out  lor  the  |iuii>ose  ol'  sei'iirinn'  the  hody.  siipiiosud  to  bo 
his  own  ;  yet,  if  so.  ujjaiii  iiow  was  lie  to  M-coiint  H)r  his  not  heaiiiij:  the  re- 
port of  a  sinulo  niuskeU  Mis  ear  was  too  well  piiKli-id  not  to  know  tlic 
sliarp  erack  of  the  rille  iVeiu  the  henv^'  dull  (liseliar>:e  ol  ihe  uuisk(^t.  and  u.s 
yet  tho  former  only  had  been  distiuffuishable.  amid  the  intervals  that  ensued 
between  each  sullen  boominj!;of  the  cannon.  While  this  iMijiressioueontinuod 
on  tho  mind  of  the  anxious  otli(!er,  ho  ((iii;i,ht,  with  tho  a\i<lilA  of  desperation, 
nt  the  faint  and  iinplorablo  idea  that  his  eonijianions  nii|;ht  ))e  able  to  pene- 
trate to  his  place  of  concealment,  and  jmiciui^  his  libeiHlion  ;  but  when  ho 
found  tho  tiring,  insicad  of  drawing  nearer,  was  conlinod  to  the  sanio  .s|M)t, 
and  even  laoro  fiercely  kept  up  by  the  Indians  towards  the  close,  ho  again 
gave  way  to  his  despair,  and  resigning  himself  to  his  fate,  no  longer  sought 
comfort  in  vain  .speculation  as  to  its  cause.  His  cur  now  caught  the  report  of 
the  last  shell  as  it  exploded,  and  then  all  was  still  and  hushed,  as  if  what  ho 
had  so  recently  heard  was  hut  a  dream. 

Tho  first  intimation  given  him  of  the  return  of  tho  sa\!i;^es  was  the  deaDi 
howl,  set  up  by  the  women  within  the  encampment.  Captain  do  Haldiniar 
turned  his  eyes,  instinct  with  terror,  towards  the  six-no.  a  id  beheld  tho  war- 
riors slowly  issuing  from  the  opjiosito  side  of  tho  forest  into  tho  plain,  and 
bearing  in  silence  the  dead  and  stitfened  forms  of  those  who  had  been  cut 
down  by  the  destructive  fire  from  the  fort.  Their  mien  was  sullen  and  re- 
vengeful, and  more  than  one  dark  and  gleaming  eye  ilid  he  encounter  turned 
upon  him,  with  an  expression  that  seemed  to  say  a  separate  tuiture  should 
avenge  tho  death  of  each  of  their  fallen  comrades. 

The  early  part  of  the  morning  wore  away  in  preparation  for  the  interment 
of  tho  slain.  Those  were  placed  in  rows  under  the  council  shod,  where  they 
were  attended  by  their  female  relatives,  who  composed  the  features  and  con- 
fined the  limbs,  while  the  gloomy  warriors  dug,  within  the  limit  of  the  en- 
campment, rude  graves,  of  a  depth  just  sufficient  to  receive  tho  body.  When 
these  were  completed,  the  dead  were  deposited,  with  the  usual  superstitious 
ceremonies  of  these  people,  in  their  several  receptacles,  after  which  a  mound 
of  earth  was  thrown  up  over  each,  each  and  the  whole  covered  with  round  logs, 
so  disposed  as  to  form  a  tomb  of  semicircular  shape :  at  the  head  of  each  grave 
was  finally  planted  a  pole,  bearing  various  devices  in  paint,  intended  to  illus- 
trate the  warlike  achievements  of  the  defunct  parties. 

Captain  de  Haldimar  had  followed  tho  course  of  these  procecflings  with  a 
beating  heart ;  for  too  plainly  hod  he  read  in  the  dark  and  threatening  manner 
both  of  men  and  women,  that  the  retribution  about  to  bo  wreaked  upon  him- 
self would  be  teiTible  indeed.  Much  as  he  clung  to  life,  and  bitterly  as  ho 
mourned  at  his  early  cutting  oif  from  tho  affections  hitherto  identified  with  his 
existence,  his  wretchedness  vrould  have  been  less,  had  he  not  been  overwhelmed 
by  the  conviction  that,  with  him,  must  perish  every  clnince  of  the  safety  of 
those,  the  bare  recollection  of  whom  made  tho  bitterness  of  death  even  more 
bitter.  Harrowing  as  were  these  reflections,  he  felt  that  iniinediate  destruc- 
tion, since  it  could  not  be  avoided,  would  be  rather  a  blessing  than  otherwise. 
But  such,  evidently,  was  not  the  purpo.se  of  his  relentless  ohemy.  Every 
species  of  torment  which  his  cruel  invention  could  supply  would,  he  felt  con- 
vinced, be  exercised  upon  his  frame :  and  nith  this  impression  on  his  mind,  H 


118 


W  A  0  O  U  8  T  t\ 


o  u 


THE      PIIOPHECY. 


trould  have  n-quired  sterner  nerves  than  his.  not  to  liave  shrunk  from  the 
vary  anticipation  of  so  (h-eadfiil  an  ordeal. 

It  was  now  noon,  and  yet  no  visible  preparation  was  niniting  for  tlio  con- 
SLinmation  of  the  sacrifice.  Tliis,  t'aptain  do  Haldiniar  imputed  to  the  absence 
of  the  tierce  Wacousta,  whom  lie  hail  not  seen  since  the  return  of  the  warriors 
from  the  skirmisli.  The  moment:)  ry  disappearance  of  this  extraordinary  and  fero- 
cious mai  was,  howcvn-,  fraup;lit  with  no  consohitinn  to  his  unfortunate  priso- 
ner, who  I'elt  he  was  only  enjiaged  in  taking  .  nch  measures  as  would  render 
not  only  his  destruction  more  curtain,  but  his  preliminary  stiiferings  more  com- 
plicatwl  and  protracte<l.  While  he  was  thus  indulj^ing  in  fruitless  speculation 
as  t<j  the  motive  for  his  absence,  lie  fancied  he  heard  the  report  of  a  rifle,  suc- 
ceeded immedi.'itely  afterwards  i)v  the  war-whoop,  at  a  considerable  distance, 
and  in  the  direction  of  the  river.  In  this  impression  ho  was  confirn\ed,  by  the 
sudden  upstailing  to  their  feet  of  the  young  Indians  to  whose  custody  he  had 
been  committed,  who  now  advanced  to  the  outer  edge  of  the  belt  of  forest, 
with  the  aj)parcnt  object  of  obtaining  a  more  nnconfuied  view  of  the  open 
ground  that  lay  beyond.  The  rapid  gliding  of  .•spectral  forniK  from  the  interior 
of  the  encampment  in  the  same  direction,  denoted,  moreover,  that  the  Indians 
generally  had  heard,  and  were  attracted  by  the  same  sound. 

Presently  afterwards,  repeated  "  waugl'S  I"  and  ''  Wacousta ! — Wacousta !" 
.fi'oxu  those  who  had  reached  the  extreme  skirt  of  the  forest,  fell  on  thi;  dis- 
mayed ear  of  the  young  otHcer.  It  was  evident,  from  the  pecidiar  tones  in 
which  these  words  were  pronounced,  that  they  beheld  that  wairior  approach- 
ing them  with  some  communication  of  interest ;  and,  sick  at  heart,  and  filled 
with  irrepressible  dismay,  CaptiJu  de  Haldimarfelt  his  i)uLse  to  throb  more 
violently  aa  eacli  moment  brought  his  enemy  nearer  to  hnu. 

A  startling  interest  was  now  created  among  the  Indians ;  for.  as  the  savage 
warrior  ne.»red  the  forest,  his  lips, pealed  forth  that  jK^cidiar  cry  which  is  meant 
to  announce  some  intelligence  of  alai'm.  Scarcelj'  had  its  echoes  died  away  in 
the  forest,  when  the  whole  of  the  wai'riors  rushed  from  the  encampment  to- 
wards the  clearing.  Dii-ected  by  the  sound,  Captain  do  Ilaldimai-  bent  his 
eyes  upon  the  thin  skirt  of  wood  that  lay  immediately  before  him,  and  at  in- 
tervals could  .see  the  towering  form  of  that  vast  warrior  bounding,  with  in- 
credible speed,  up  ihe  sloping  ground  that  led  from  the  town  towiu'ds  the  forest. 
A  ravine  lay  before  him  but  this  he  cleared  with  a  ])rodigious  effort,  at  a  sin- 
gle leap ;  and  then,  contiiming  his  way  up  the  slope,  amid  the  low  guttural  ac- 
'Clainations  of  the  warriors  at  his  extraordinary  dexterity  and  strength,  finally 
gained  the  side  of  Ponteac,  then  leaning  carelessly  against  a  tree  at  a  short  dis- 
tance from  the  prisoner. 

A  low  and  animateil  conversation  now  ensued  between  these  two  important 
j;arson&ges,  which  at  moments  assumed  the  character  of  violent  discussion. 
Prom  what  Captain  de  Haldimar  could  collect,  the  Ottawa  chief  was  severely 
reproving  his  friend  for  the  inconsiderate  ardor  which  had  led  him  that  morn- 
ing into  collision  with  those  whom  it  was  their  object  to  lull  into  security  by 
a  carefid  avoidance  of  hostility,  and  urging  the  possibility  of  their  plan  being 
defeated  hi  consequence.  He  moreover  obstinately  refused  the  pressing  request 
of  Wacousta,  in  regavd  to  some  present  enterprise  which  the  latter  had  just 
suggested,  tlie  precise  nature  of  which,  however,  Captain  de  Haldimar  could 
not  learn.  Meanwhile,  the  nipid  flitting  of  numerous  forms  to  and  from  the 
encampment,  arrayed  in  all  the  fierce  panoply  of  savage  warfare,  while  low  ex- 
clamations of  excitement  occasionallj'^  caught  his  ear,  led  the  ofticer  to  infer, 
strange  and  unusual  as  such  an  occurrence  was,  that  either  the  ciotachnient 
already  engagcnl,  or  a  second,  was  advancing  on  their  position.  Still,  this  offered 
little  diance  of  security  for  himself;  for  more  than  once,  during  his  long  con- 
ference with  Ponteac,  had  the  fierce  Wacousta  bent  his  eye  in  ferocious  triumph 
on  his  vieiim,  as  if  he  would  have  said, — "Come  what  will — whatever  be  the 
result — you,  at  least,  shall  not  escape  me."  Indeed,  so  confident  did  the  latter 
4«el  that  the  instant  of  attack  woidd  be  the  signal  of  his  own  death,  that  after 


wacousta;    or,   the    proi^hzcy, 


119 


the  first  momentary  and  instinctive  cheering  of  his  spirit,  ho  rather  regretted 
the  circumstance  of  their  approach  ;  or,  if  he  rejoiced  at  all,  it  was  only  because 
it  aftbrded  him  the  prospect  of  immediate  death,  instead  of  being  exposed  to 
«J1  the  horror  of  a  lingering  and  agonising  suffering  from  the  torture. 

While  the  chiefs  were  yet  earnestly-  conversing,  the  alarm  cry,  previously 
uttered  by  Wacousta,  was  repeated,  although  in  a  low  and  subdued  tone,  by 
several  of  the  Indians  who  stood  on  the  brow  of  the  eminence.  Ponteac 
.started  suddenly  to  the  same  point ;  but  Wacousta  continued  for  a  moment  or 
two  rooted  to  tlie  spot  on  which  he  stood,  with  the  air  of  one  in  doubt  as  to 
what  coin-.se  lie  should  pursue.  He  then  abruptly  raised  his  head,  fixed  his 
dark  and  menacing  eye  on  his  captive,  and  was  already  in  the  act  of  approach- 
ing him,  when  the  earnest  ami  repeated  demands  for  his  presence,  by  the  Ot- 
tawa chief  drew  him  once  more  to  the  outskirt  of  the  wood. 

Again  ( 'aptain  de  Ilaldimar  breathed  freely.  Tlie  presence  of  that  fierce 
man  had  been  a  clog  upon  the  vital  linictions  of  his  heart ;  and  to  be  relieved 
from  it,  even  at  a  moment  like  the  i)resent,  when  far  more  important  interests 
might  be  supposed  to  occupy  his  mini,  was  a  gratification,  of  which  not  even 
the  consciousness  of  impending  death  could  wholly  deprive  him.  From  the 
continued  pressing  of  the  Indians  towards  one  particular  point  in  the  clearing, 
he  now  conjectured,  that,  from  that  point,  the  advance  of  the  tioops  was  visi- 
ble. Anxious  to  obtain  even  a  momentary  view  of  those  whom  he  deemed 
himself  fated  never  more  to  mingle  with  in  this  life,  he  raised  himself  upon  his 
feet,  and  stretched  his  neck  and  bent  his  eager  glance  in  the  direction  by 
vrh.di  Wacousta  had  approached ;  but,  so  closely  were  the  dark  warriors 
grouped  among  the  trees,  he  found  it  impossible.  Once  or  twice,  however,  ho 
thought  he  could  distinguish  the  gleaming  of  the  English  bayonets  in  the 
bright  sunshine,  as  they  .seemed  to  file  oil'  in  a  parallel  line  with  the  ravine. 
Oh,  how  his  generous  heart  throbbed  at  tliat  moment ;  and  how  ardently  did 
he  wish  that  he  could  have  stood  in  the  position  of  the  meanest  soldier  in  those 
gallant  ranks  !  Perhaps  his  own  brave  .-uid  devoted  grenadiers  were  of  the 
number,  burning  >»'ith  enthusiasm  to  Ijl  led  against  the  captors  or  destroyers 
of  their  officer  ;  and  this  thought  added  to  his  wretchedness  still  more. 

While  the  unfortunate  prisoner,  thus  strangely  excited,  bent  his  whoio  soul 
on  the  .scene  before  him,  he  fancied  he  heard  the  approach  of  a  cautious  foot- 
step. He  turned  his  head  as  well  as  his  confined  position  would  admit,  and 
beheld,  clo.se  behind  him,  a  dark  Indian,  whose  eyes  alone  were  visible  above 
the  blanket  in  which  his  person  was  completely  enveloped.  His  right  arm 
was  uplifted,  and  the  blade  of  a  scalping  knife  glittered  in  his  hand.  A  cold 
shudder  ran  through  the  veins  of  the  young  officer,  and  he  closed  his  eyes, 
that  he  might  not  see  the  blow  which  he  felt  was  about  to  be  directed  at  his 
heart.  The  Indian  glanced  hurriedly  yet  cautiou.sly  around,  to  .see  if  he  was 
observed ;  and  then,  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  divided,  first  the  thongs 
that  .secured  the  legs,  and  then  those  which  confined  the  arms  of  the  defence- 
less captive.  When  Captain  de  Hslldimar,  full  of  astonishment  at  finding 
himself  once  more  at  liberty,  again  unclo.sed  his  eyes,  they  fell  on  the  not  un- 
handsome features  of  the  young  chief,  the  brother  of  Oucanasta. 

"  The  Saganaw  is  the  prisoner  of  Wacousta,"  said  the  Indian  hastily  ;  "  and 
Wacousta  is  the  enemy  of  th  young  Ottawa  chief.  The  warriors  of  the  palo 
faces  are  there"  (and  he  pointed  directly  before  liim).  "  If  the  Saganaw  has 
a  bold  heart  and  a  swift  foot  he  may  save  his  life  ;"  and,  with  this  intimation, 
he  hurried  away  in  the  same  cautious  manner,  and  w.xs  in  the  next  instant 
seen  makiny  a  circuit  to  arrive  at  the  point  at  which  the  principal  strength  of 
the  Indian,   ivus  collected. 

The  position  of  Captain  de  Haldimar  had  now  attained  its  acme  of  interest; 
for  on  his  own  exertions  alone  depended  every  thing  that  remained  to  be  ac- 
complished. With  wonderful  presence  of  mind  he  surveyed  all  the  difficulties 
of  his  coiu'se,  while  he  avuilcd  hinuself  at  the  same  moment  of  whatever  advan- 
tages were  within  his  grasp.     On  the  aj)pro;u'li  of  Wacousta,  the  young 


ISO 


W  A  C  O  I! 


on,     THE      P  K  0  1'  II  E  C  Y  , 


lii'liiiny,  in  who-M'  Q>\ytoi]y  lie  liD'l  Iicon  catiinvitk'd,  ir.u'.  ntiinuvl  to  their  post ; 
but  no  sooner  hnd  thiU  'A'arrior,  o))(!yin;;  the  call  of  Pontwic.  ;ioiiin  departed, 
than  the;,  once  udfu  ihv:  to  tlie  exlrouio  skirt  of  the  forest,  after  first  satisfy- 
in.u,'  th('iu.si.';ve,-;  iht'  li;;;aU:ros  wiiicii  coullnud  their  prisoner  were  .secure.  Either 
willi  ii  vic'A'  of  tivuidiii;!,-  inincco.-siiiy  (iicuuil)rance  in  their  cour.-e,  or  through 
htirrj'  and  innilvcrteiie'j.  ihry  hiirl  left  their  blankets  near  the  foot  of  the  tree. 
The  first  thou;  ht  of  the  nlfieer  was  to  sei/.e  one  of  tlie.-e  ;  for.  in  order  to  gain 
the  point  whence  i.i.-;  Ihial  etibrt  to  Join  tlie  detaelnnent  n'usl  i.e  made,  it  was 


uecest'ary 


he 


■dii,t.;h 


Kill 


■  l 


Iliivii'Ji  the  boJv  of  scaltend   'ndinns  who  stood 


li'!.  1" 


way-  lUi':.  1  le  ■;;:;;;ui.se  o!  the  l>:i;:il;e'  ci>\;'.<',  alone  afford 
•h:'.)'i'\'  of  novin;;'  innuiticed  ainons  Irifni.     Secretly  con- 
on  til"  iusi'.ltinr;  Tnnekery  that  had  imUieted  his  upper  form 
'.var-paint  of  his  enemies,  lie  now  drew  the  protecting  blanket 

every  IkeuUv 


nun 

him  a 

srratnlatiii;.'  him 

in  tiie  dis,!i;ui.-^in: 

close  up  to  his  eyes ;  smd  then,  with  evrry  nerve  braced 

of  mind  and  body  cailfd  into  aetioii,  commenced  his  dangerous  enterprise. 

Ik;  had  not.  i.iiv.-i^vcr.  taken  nure  than  two  or  tlivoe  stej^s  in  iidvance,  when, 
to  lii.s  gj'cai.  (ii...'ji!diture  and  alarm,  he  beheld  the  foriui'lalile  \\'<acon.sta  ap- 
proaching; froia  a  ilistance,  evidently  in  s'  tirch  of  his  prisoner.  AVith  the 
quickness  of  thought  he  determined  on  liis  coni'se.  To  appear  to  avoid  him 
would  be  to  ('"cite  tlie  suspicion  of  the  fierce  warrior;  and  desperate  as  the 
alternative  was,  he  resolved  to  move  undeviatinply  forward.  At  each  step 
that  drew  him  neaier  to  his  enemy,  the  beating  of  his  iieart  became  more 
violent ;  and  hail  it  not  been  lor  the  thick  coat  of  ]iaint  in  which  ho  was 
invested,  the  involuntary  conti'action  of  the  mu.scles  of  his  lui:e  must  inevitably 
have  betrayed  Inm.  N'ay,  even  as  it  was,  had  the  keen  eve  of  the  warrior 
fallen  on  hiin.  such  was  the  agitaHon  of  the  otlicer,  he  felt  h'  musl  have  been 
discovered.  Happily,  however,  ^V^aconsta,  who  evidently  i"ok  him  for  .some 
inferior  warrior  hastening  to  the  point  v.'here  lii,«  fellows  were  already  assem- 
bled, pas.sed  without  deipning  \.o  look  at  him,  and  so  clo,<e,  th.eir  forms  almost 
touched.  Captain  de  Tlaldimar  now  quickend  his  pace.  It  was  evident  there 
was  no  time  to  be  lost ;  for  W'acoustj),  on  linding  liim  gone,  would  at  once 
give  the  alarm,  when  a  hundred  warriors  would  be  reacly  on  the  instant  to 
intercept  his  Hight.  Taking  the  precaution  to  disguise  his  walk  by  turning  in 
his  toes  after  the  Indian  manner,  he  reached,  with  a  beating  heart,  the  first 
of  the  numerous  warriors  who  were  collected  within  the  belt  of  forest,  anx- 
iously watching  the  movements  of  the  detachment  in  the  plain  below.  To  his 
infinite  joy  he  found  that  each  was  too  much  intent  on  \vhat  was  passing  in 
the  di.stance,  to  heed  any  thing  going  on  near  themselves  ;  and  when  he  at 
length  gained  the  extreme  opening,  and  stood  in  a  line  with  those  wdio  were 
the  farthest  advanced,  without  having  excited  a  single  susjiicion,  in  his  course, 
he  corJd  .scarceh-  believe  the  evidence  of  his  sen.ses. 

Still  the  most  difficr.lt  part  of  tlus  enterprise  remained  to  be  completed. 
Hitherto  he  had  moved  under  the  friendly  cover  of  the  imderwood,  the  advan- 
tage of  wdiich  had  bet  n  to  conceal  that  part  of  his  regimental  trousers  which 
the  blanket  left  e.vposed  ;  and  if  he  moved  forward  into  the  clearing,  the  quick 
glance  of  an  Indian  would  not  be  slow  in  detecting  the  difference  between 
these  anil  his  own  iiider  leggings.  There  was  no  alternative  now  but  to  com- 
mence his  flight  from  the  spot  on  which  he  stood ;  and  for  this  he  prepared 
himself.  At  one  rapid  and  comprehensive  view  he  embraced  the  immediate 
localities  before  him.  On  the  other  side  of  the  ravine  he  could  now  distinctly 
see  the  English  troops,  either  planing,  as  he  conceived,  their  own  attack,  or 
waiting  in  the  hofK)  of  drawing  the  Indians  from  their  cover.  It  was  evident 
that  to  reach  them  the  ra^■ine  must  be  cros.sed,  unless  the  nioi-e  circuitous 
route  by  the  bridge,  which  was  hid  from  his  view  by  an  intervening  hillock, 
should  be  pretcrred  ;  but  as  the  former  had  been  cleared  by  \Vacousta  in  his 
a.sccnt,  and  was  th.e  nearest  jioint  by  which  the  detachment  could  be  ap- 
proached, to  this  did  he  now  direct  his  undivided  attention. 

While  he  yet  pau't^ed  with  indecision,  at  one  moment  fancying  the  time  for 


their  post ; 
n  departed, 
irst  Matisfy- 
irc.  Either 
or  through 
of  the  tree, 
rder  to  gain 
uide.  it  was 

wlio  stood 
iUnw  afford 
c'.'r(\tly  con- 
iippor  form 
.ing  blanket 
•cry  lUuulty 

enterprise, 
■ancc,  when, 
.icoutita  ap- 
AVith  tiie 
)  avoid  him 
rate  as  the 
t  each  step 
icanie  more 
lic'i  he  was 
;t  inevitably 
the  warrior 
I  Iiiive  been 
tn  for  some 
cady  asscm- 
)rnis  almost 
vidcnt  there 
uld  at  once 
p  instant  to 
y  turning  in 
rt,  the  first 
forest,  anx- 
)w.    To  his 

passing  in 
vhen  he  at 
e  who  were 

his  course, 

completed. 

the  advan- 

isers  which 

g,  the  quick 

e  between 

)ut  to  com- 

e  prepared 

numcdiate 

V  distinctly 

attack,  or 
us  evident 

circuitous 
ng  hillock, 
usla  in  his 
lid  be  ap- 

he  time  for 


WACOUST.^;     OR,    THE     PROPHECY. 


121 


starting  was  not  yet  arrived,  and  at  the  next  that  he  Jaod  suffered  it  to  pass 
away,  the  powerml  and  threatening  voice  of  Wacounta  was  heard  proclaiming 
the  escape  of  his  captive.  Low  but  expressive  exclamations  from  the  warriors 
,ro%rkcd  their  sense  of  the  importance  of  the  intelligence ;  and  many  of  them 
hastily  dispersed  themselves  in  pursuit.  This  was  the  critical  moment  for 
action ;  for,  as  the  anxious  officer  had  rather  wished  than  expected,  those  In- 
dians who  had  been  immediately  in  front,  and  whose  proximity  he  most 
dreaded,  were  among  the  number  of  those  who  dashed  into  the  heart  of  the 
forest.  Captain  de  Haldimar  now  stood  alone,  and  full  twenty  paces  in  front 
of  the  nearest  of  the  savages.  For  a  moment  he  played  with  his  mocaissined 
foot,  to  satisfy  himself  of  the  power  and  flexibility  of  its  muscles,  and  then 
committing  himself  to  his  (Jod,  dashed  the  blanket  suddenly  from  his  shoul- 
ders, and,  with  eye  and  heart  fixed  on  the  distant  soldiery,  darted  down  the 
declivity  with  a  speed  of  whicli  he  had  never  yet  believed  himself  capable. 
Scarcely,  however,  had  his  fleeing  form  appeai-ed  in  the  opening,  when  a  tre- 
mendous and  deafening  yell  rent  the  air,  and  a  dozen  wild  and  naked  warriors 
followed  instantly  in  pursuit.  Attracted  by  that  yell,  the  terrible  Wacousta, 
who  had  been  seeking  his  victim  in  a  dillerent  quarter,  fjounded  forward  to 
the  front,  with  an  eye  flashing  fire,  and  a  brow  compressed  into  the  fiercest 
hate ;  and  so  stupendous  were  his  efforts,  so  extraordinary  was  his  speed, 
that  had  it  not  been  for  the  young  Ottawa  chief,  who  was  one  of  the  pursuing 
party,  an'l  who,  under  the  pretence  of  assisting  in  the  recapture  of  the  prison- 
er, sought  every  opportunity  of  throwing  himself  before,  and  embarrassing 
the  movements  of  his  enemy,  it  is  highly  probable  the  latter  would  have  suc- 
seeded.  Despite  of  these  obstacles,  however,  the  fierce  Wacousta,  who  had 
been  the  last  to  follow,  soon  left  the  foremost  of  his  companions  far  behind 
him  ;  and  but  for  his  sudden  fall,  while  in  the  very  act  of  seizing  the  arm  of 
his  prisoner,  his  gigantic  efforts  must  have  been  crowned  with  the  fullest  sue- 
But  the  reader  has  already  seen  how  miraculously  Captain  do  Haldimar, 


cess. 


reduced  to  the  last  stage  of  debility,  as  much  from  inanition  as  from  the  un- 
natural efforts  of  his  flight,  finally  accomplished  his  return  to  the  detachment. 

« 


CHAPTER  XIX. 

At  the  western  extremity  of  the  lake  Huron,  and  almost  washed  by  the  waters 
of  that  pigmy  ocean,  stands  the  fort  of  Michillimackinac.  Constructed  on  a 
smaller  scale,  and  garrisoned  by  a  Iccsnimierical  force,  the  defences  of  this  post, 
although  loss  formidable  than  those  of  the  Detroit,  were  nearly  similar,  at  the 
period  embraced  by  our  story,  both  in  matter  an'l  in  manner.  Unlike  the 
latter  fortress,  however,  it  boastal  none  of  the  advantages  afforded  by  cul- 
ture ;  neitherj  indeed,  was  there  a  single  spot  in  the  immediate  vicinity  that 
was  not  clad  m  the  eternal  forest  of  these  regions.  It  is  true,  that  art  and 
laborious  exertion  had  so  far  supplied  the  deficiencies  of  nature  as  to  isolate 
the  fort,  and  throw  it  under  the  protecting  sweep  of  its  cannon ;  but,  while 
this  aflbrded  security,  it  failed  to  produce  any  thing  like  a  pleasing  effect  to 
the  Cj  e.  The  vei-y  site  on  which  the  fortress  now  stood  had  at  one  period 
been  a  portion  of  the  wilderness  that  every  where  around  was  only  termina- 
ted by  the  sands  on  the  lake  shore :  and,  although  time  and  the  axe  of  the 
pioneer  had  in  some  degree  changed  its  features,  still  there  was  no  trace  of 
that  blended  natural  scenery  that  so  pleasingly  diversified  the  vicinity  ^f  the 
sister  fort.  Here  and  there,  along  the  imperfect  clearing,  and  amid  the  dark 
and  thickly  studdetl  stumps  of  the  felled  trees,  which  in  themselves  were  suf- 
ficient to  give  the  most  lugubrious  character  to  the  scene,  rose  the  rude  log 
cabin  of  the  settler  ;  but,  beyond  this,  cultivation  appeared  to  have  lost  her 
power  in  proportion  with  the  difficulties  she  had  to  encounter.    Even  the  two 


122 


WAC0U8TA 


OR,     T  H 


PROPHECY. 


Indian  villages,  L'Arbro-(^roche  and  Chabouiga,  situate  about  a  mile  from  the 
Ibrt,  with  which  they  fomied  nearly  an  equilateral  triangle,  were  hid  from 
the  view  of  the  garrison  by  the  dark  dense  forest,  in  the  heart  of  which  they 
•were  embedded. 

Lakeward  the  view  was  scarcely  less  monotonous ;  but  it  was  not,  as  in  the 
rear,  that  monotony  which  is  never  occasionally  broken  in  upon  by  some  oc- 
currence of  interest.  If  the  eye  gazed  long  and  anxiously  for  the  white  sail 
of  the  well  known  armed  vessel,  charged  at  stated  intervals  with  letters  and 
tidings  of  those  whom  time,  and  distance,  and  danger,  far  from  estranging, 
rendered  raoje  dear  to  the  memory,  and  bound  more  closely  to  the  heart,  it 
was  sure  of  being  rewarded  at  last ;  and  then  there  was  no  picture  on  which 
it  could  love  to  linger  so  well  as  that  of  the  silver  waves  bearing  that  valued 
vessel  in  safety  to  its  wonted  anchorage  in  the  offing.  Moreover,  the  light 
swift  bark  canoes  of  the  natives  often  danced  joyously  on  its  surface ;  and 
while  the  sight  was  oft'ended  at  the  savage,  skulkuig  among  the  trees  of  the 
forest,  like  some  dark  spirit  moving  cautiously  in  its  course  of  secret  destruc- 
tion, and  watching  the  moment  when  he  might  pounce  unnoticed  upon  his 
unprepared  victim,  it  followed,  with  momentary  pleasure  and  excitement,  the 
activity  and  skill  displayed  by  the  harmless  paddler,  in  the  swift  and  meteor- 
like  race  that  set  the  troubled  surface  of  the  Huron  in  a  sheet  of  hissing  foam. 
Nor  was  this  all.  When  the  eye  turned  wood-ward,  it  fell  heavily,  and  with- 
out interest,  upon  a  dim  and  dusky  point,  known  to  enter  upon  savage  scenes 
and  unexplored  countries  ;  whereas,  whenever  it  reposed  upon  the  lake,  it  was 
with  an  eagerness  and  energy  that  embraced  the  most  vivid  recollections  of 
the  past,  and  led  the  imagination  buoj^antly  over  every  well-remembered  scene 
that  had  previously  been  traversed,  and  which  must  be  traversed  again  before 
the  land  of  the  European  could  be  pressed  once  more.  *  The  forest,  in  a  word, 
formed,  as  it  were,  the  gloomy  ,and  impenetrable  walls  of  the  prison-house, 
and  the  bright  lake  that  lay  before  it  the  only  portal  tlirough  which  happiness 
and  liberty  could  be  again  secured. 

The  principal  entrance  into  the  fort,  which  presented  four  equal  sides  of  a 
squat-e,  was  from  the  forest ;  but  immediately  opp*"  >He  to  this,  and  behind  the 
apartments  of  the  commanding  officer,  there  was  another  small  gate  that 
opened  upon  the  lake  shore  ;  but  which,  since  the  investment  of  the  place, 
had  been  kept  bolted  and  locked,  with  a  precaution  befitting  the  danger  to 
which  the  garrison  was  exposed.  Still,  there  were  periods,  even  now,  when  its 
sullen  hinges  were  to  be  heard  moaning  on  the  midnight  breeze ;  for  it  served 
as  a  medium  of  communication  between  the  besieged  and  others  who  were  no 
less  critically  circumstanced  than  themselves. 

The  very  day  before  the  Indians  commenced  their  simultaneous  attack  on 
the  several  "oosts  of  the  English,  the  only  armed  vessel  that  had  been  con- 
structed on  tlicse  upper  lakes,  serving  chiefly  as  a  medium  of  communication 
between  Detroit  and  Michillimackinac,  had  arrived  with  despatches  and  letters 
from  the  former  fort.  A  well-concerted  j)lan  of  the  savages  to  seize  her  in 
her  passage  through  the  narrow  waters  of  the  river  Sinclair  had  onlj'  been 
defeated  by  the  vigilance  of  her  commander ;  but  ever  since  the  breaking  out 
of  the  war,  she  had  been  imprisoned  within  the  limits  of  the  Huron.  Labori- 
ous indeed  was  the  duty  of  the  devoted  crew.  Several  attempts  had  been 
renewed  by  the  Indians  to  surprise  them ;  but,  although  their  little  fleets 
stole  cautiously  and  noiselessly,  at  the  still  hour  of  midnight,  to  the  spot 
wheie,  at  the  last  expiring  rays  of  twilight,  they  had  beheld  her  carelessly 
anchored,  and  apparently  lulled  into  security,  the  subject  of  their  search  was 
neve*  Jo  be  met  with.  No  sooner  were  objects  on  the  shore  rendered  indis- 
tinct to  the  eye,  than  the  anchor  "'as  silently  weighed,  and,  gliding  wherever 
the  breeze  might  choose  to  carrj'  her,  the  light  bark  was  made  to  traverse  the 
lake,  with  every  sail  set,  until  dawn.  None,  however,  were  suflere<l  to  slum- 
ber in  the  presumed  security  aftbrded"  by  this  judicious  flight.  Every  man 
was  at  his  post ;  and,  while  a  silence  so  pi'olbund  was  {)rcseived  that  the 


WACOU8TA 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY, 


123 


noise  of  a  falling  pin  might  have  been  heard  upon  her  decks,  everything  was 
in  readiness  to  repel  an  attack  of  their  enemies,  should  the  vessel,  in  her 
course,  come  accidentally  in  collision  with  their  pigmy  fleets.  AVhen  morning 
broke,  and  no  sign  of  their  treacherous  foes  was  visible,  the  vessel  was  again 
anchored,  and  the  majoritj'  of  the  crow  snlfered  to  retire  to  their  hammocks, 
while  the  few  whose  turn  of  duty  it  chanced  to  be,  kept  a  vigilant  look-out, 
that,  on  the  sli.yhtest  appearance  of  alarm,  their  slumbering  comrades  might 
again  be  aroused  to  energy  and  action. 

Severe  and  harassing  as  had  been  the  duty  on  board  this  vessel  for  many 
months, — at  one  moment  exposed  to  the  assaults  of  savages,  at  another  as- 
sailed by  hurricanes  that  are  so  prevalent  and  so  dangerous  on  the  American 
lakes, — the  sitiiation  of  the  crew  was  even  less  enviable  than  that  of  the  gar- 
rison itself.  What  chiefly  contributed  to  their  tlisciu'etudc,  was  the  dreadful 
consciousness  that,  however  their  present  eflbrts  might  secure  a  temporary 
safety,  the  period  ol'  their  fall  was  only  protracted.  A  few  months  more 
must  bring  with  them  all  the  severity  of  the  winter  of  those  climes,  and  then, 
blocked  up  in  a  sea  of  ice, — oxpose<l  to  all  the  rigor  of  cold, — all  the  miseries 
of  hunger. — what  eflectual  resistance  could  they  oppose  to  the  numerous 
bands  of  Indians  v/ho,  availing  themselves  of  the  defenceless  position  of  their 
enemies.  Would  rush  fiom  every  quarter  to  their  destruction. 

At  the  outset  of  these  disheartening  circumstances,  the  officer  had  sum- 
moned his  faithfid  crew  together,  ami  pointing  out  the  danger  and  uncertainty 
of  their  position,  stated  that  two  chances  of  '^sca[)e  still  remained  to  them. 
The  first  was  by  an  attempt  to  accomplish  the  jjiissage  of  the  river  Sinclair 
during  some  dark  and  boisterous  night,  when  the  Indians  would  be  least 
likely  to  suspect  such  an  intention :  it  was  at  this  point  that  the  eflbrts  of 
their  enemies  wore  princ'pally  to  be  apprehended ;  but  if.  under  cover  of 
storm  and  darkness,  they  could  accomplish  this  diflicult  passage,  they  would 
easily  gain  the  Detroit,  and  thence  pass  into  Lake  Erie,  at  the  further  ex- 
tremity of  which  they  might,  favored  by  Providence,  effect  a  landing,  and 
penetrate  to  the  inhabited  oar^s  of  the  colonj  of  New  York.  The  other  al- 
ternative was, — and  he  left  it  to  themselves  to  deterinino, — to  sink  the  vessel 
on  the  approach  of  winter,  ahd  throw  themselves  into  the  fort  before  them, 
there  to  await  and  share  the  destiny  of  its  gallant  defenders. 

With  the  generous  enthusiasm  of  their  profession,  the  noble  fellows  had 
determined  on  the  latter  course.  With  their  officer  they  fully  coincided  in 
opinion,  that  their  ultimate  hopes  of  life  depended  on  the  safe  passage  of  the 
Sinclair ;  for  it  was  but  too  obvious,  that  soon  or  late  unless  some  very  ez- 
traordinary  revolution  should  be  eftected  in  the  intentions  of  the  Indians,  ths 
fortress  must  be  starved  into  submission.  Still  as  it  was  tolerably  well  sup- 
plied with  provisions,  tMs  gloomy  prospect  was  remote,  and  they  were  willi  ag 
to  run  all  chances  with  their  friends  on  shore,  rather  than  desert  them  in  thtir 
extremity.  The  determination  expressed  by  fhem,  therefore,  was  that  when 
they  could  no  longer  keep  the  lake  in  safety,  they  would,  if  the  officer  per- 
mitted it,  scuttle  the  vessel,  and  attempt  an  entrajice  into  tlie  fort,  where  they 
would  share  the  fate  of  the  troops,  whatever  it  might  chance  to  be. 

No  sooner  was  this  resolution  made  known,  that'  their  young  commander 
sought  an  opportunity  of  communicating  with  the  gurrison.  This,  however, 
was  no  very  easy  task ;  for,  so  closely  \va«  the  fort  hammed  in  by  the  savages, 
it  was  impossible  to  introduce  a  messenger  within  its  walls  ;  and  so  sudden 
had  been  the  cutting  ofl'  of  all  conmiunication  between  the  vessel  and  the 
shore,  that  the  thought  had  not  even  occurred  to  either  commander  to  estab- 
lish the  most  oniiiiary  intellijience  l)v  signal.  In  this  dilenmia,  recourse  was 
had  to  an  ingonioiis  o.xpLilient.  The  despatches  of  the  otticer  were  enclosed 
in  one  of  thi;  long  tin  tul>es  in  whicli  were  generally  deposited  the  maps  and 
charts  of  Ibe  scliooner,  and  to  this,  after  having  been  carefully  soldered,  was 
attached  an  inch  rope  of  several  hiuidred  fallioms  in  length :  the  case  was 
then  jmt  into  one  of  the  sliip'rf  ,;;uus.  >:»  placed  as  to  give  it  the  elevation  of  a 


VM 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      O  Ji  ,     THE     PROPHECY 


mortar ;  thus  prepared,  advantage  was  taken  of  a  temporary  absence  of  the 
Indiana  to  In-ing  the  vessel  within  half  a  mile  of  the  shore,  and  when  the  at- 
tention of  the  garrison,  naturally  attracted  by  this  unusual  movement,  was 
sufficiently  awakened,  that  opportunity  was  chosen  for  the  discharge  of  tho 
gun  ;  and  as  the  quantity  of  powder  had  been  proportionably  reduced  for  the 
limited  range,  the  tube  was  soon  safely  deposited  within  the  rampart.  The 
same  means  were  adopted  in  replying ;  and  one  end  of  the  rope  remaining 
attached  to  the  scliooner,  all  that  was  necessary  was  to  solder  up  the  tube  as 
before,  and  throw  it  over  the  ramparts  upon  the  sands,  whence  it  was  imme- 
aiately  pulled  over  her  side  by  tho  watchful  mariners. 

As  the  despatch  conveyed  to  the  garrison,  among  other  subjects  of  interest, 
bora  the  unwelcome  intelligence  that  tho  supplies  of  the  crew  were  nearly  ex- 
pended, an  arrangement  was  proposed  by  which,  at  stated  intervals,  a  more 
immediate  commimication  with  tlio  former  might  be  effected.  Whenever, 
therefore,  the  wind  permitted,  the  vessel  wius  kept  hovering  in  sight  during  the 
day,  beneatli  the  eyes  of  the  savages,  and  on  tlic  approach  of  evening  an  un- 
Shotted  gim  was  discharged,  with  a  view  of  drawing  their  attention  more  im- 
mediately to  her  movements ;  every  sail  was  then  set,  and  under  a  cloud  of 
canvass  the  course  of  the  schooner  was  directed  towards  the  source  of  tho  Sin- 
clair, as  if  an  attempt  to  accomplish  that  passage  was  to  be  made  during  the 
night.  No  sooner,  however  had  the  darkness  fairly  set  in,  than  the  vessel  was 
put  about,  and,  beating  against  the  wind,  generally  contriveil  to  reach  the  off- 
ing at  a  stated  hour,  when  a  boat,  provided  with  nmtHed  oars,  was  sent  off  to 
the  shore.  This  ruse  had  several  times  deceived  the  Indians,  and  it  was  on 
the.se  ocx3Jisions  that  the  small  gate  to  which  we  have  alluded  was  opened,  for 
the  purpose  of  conveying  the  necessary  supplies. 

The  buildings  of  the  fort  consisted  cliieliy  of  block-houses,  the  internal  ac- 
commodations of  which  were  fully  in  keeping  with  their  rude  exterior,  being 
but  indiflerently  provided  with'  the  most  ordinary  articles  of  comfort,  and  fit- 
ted up  as  the  limited  resources  of  that  wild  and  remote  district  could  supply. 
The  best  and  most  agreeably  situated  of  these,  if  a  choice  could  be  made,  was 
that  of  tho  commanding  officer.  This  building  rose  considerably  above  tho 
others,  and  overhanging  that  part  of  the  rampart  which  skirted  the  shores  of 
the  Huron,  commanded  a  full  view  of  the  lake,  even  to  its  extremity  of  frown- 
ing and  belting  forest. 

To  this  block-house  there  were  two  staircases ;  the  principal  leading  to  the 
front  entrance  from  the  barrack-square,  tho  other  opening  in  the  rear,  close 
under  the  rampart,  and  comnnniicating  by  a  few  rude  Steps  with  the  small 
gate  that  led  upon  the  sands.  In  the  lower  part  of  this  building,  appropriated 
by  the  commanding  officer  to  that  exclusive  piupose,  the  official  duties  of  his 
situation  were  usually  performed ;  and  on  the  ground-fioor  a  large  room,  that 
extended  from  front  to  roar  of  the  block-house  on  one  side  of  the  passage,  had 
formerly  been  u.sed  as  a  hall  of  conncil  with  the  Indian  chiefs.  The  floor  above 
this  comprised  both  his  own  private  apartments  and  those  set  apart  for  the 
general  use  of  tho  family  ;  but,  above  all,  and  preferable  from  their  cheerful 
view  over  the  lake,  were  others,  which  had  been  reserved  for  the  exclusive  ac- 
commodation of  Miss  do  Haldimar.  The  upper  floor  consisted  of  two  sleeping 
apartments,  with  a  sitting-room,  the  latter  extending  the  whole  length  of  the 
block-house,  and  opening  immediately  upon  the  lake  from  the  only  two  win- 
dows with  which  that  side  of  the  building  was  provided.  The  principal  stair- 
case led  into  one  of  the  bed-rooms,  and  both  of  the  latter  communicated  imme- 
diately with  the  sitting  room,  which  again,  in  its  turn,  opened,  at  the  opjwsite 
extremity  on  the  narrow  staircase  that  led  to  the  rear  of  the  block-house. 

The  furniture  of  the  apartment,  which  might  be  taken  as  a  fi\ir  sample  of 
the  best  the  country  could  aitbrd,  was  wild,  yet  simple,  in  the  extreme.  Neat 
rush  mats,  of  an  oblong  square,  and  fantastically  put  together,  so  as  to  exhibit 
in  the  weaving  of  the  several  colored  reeds  both  figures  that  were  known  to 
exist  in  the  creation,  and  those  which  could  have  no  being  save  in  the  imagi- 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy 


135 


nation  of  their  IVamors,  served  as  excellent  substitutes  for  carpets,  while  rush 
bottomed  chairs,  the  product  of  Indian  ingenuity  also,  occupied  those  intervals 
around  the  room  that  were  unsupplied  by  the  matting.  Upon  the  walls  were 
hung  numerous  specimens  both  of'  the  dress  and  of  the  equipments  of  the 
savages,  and  mingled  with  these  wSre  many  natural  curiosities,  the  gifts  of  In- 
dian chiefs  to  the  commandant  at  various  times  before  the  war. 

Nothing  could  be  more  unlike  the  embellishments  of  a  modern  European 
boudoir  than  those  of  this  apartment,  which  had,  in  some  degree,  been  made  the 
sanctum  of  its  present  occupants.  Hero  was  to  be  seen  the  scaly  carcase  of 
some  huge  serpent,  extending  its  now  harmless  length  from  the  ceiling  to  the 
floor — there  an  alligutor,  slutted  after  the  same  fashion ;  and  in  various  direc- 
tions the  skins  of  the  beaver,  the  marten,  the  otter,  and  an  infinitude  of  others 
of  thut  genus,  tilled  uj)  spaces  that  were  left  unsupplied  by  the  more  ingenious 
specimens  of  Indian  art.  Head  dresses  tastefully  wrought  in  the  shape  of  the 
crowning  bays  of  the  ancients,  and  composed  of  the  gorgeous  feathers  of  the 
most  splendid  of  the  forest  birds — bows  and  quivers,  handsomely  and  even 
elegantly  ornamented  with  that  most  tasteful  of  Indian  decorations,  the  stained 
quill  of  the  |)orcupine ;  war  clubs  of  massive  iron  wood,  their  handles  covered 
with  stained  horse-hair  and  feathers,  curiously  mingled  together — machecotis, 
hunting  coats,  mocassins,  and  leggings,  all  worked  in  porcupine  quill,  and  fan- 
cifully arranged, — these,  with  many  others,  had  been  called  into  requisition  to 
bedeck  and  lelieve  the  otherwise  rude  and  naked  walls  of  the  apartment. 

Nor  did  the  walls  alone  reflect  back  the  picture  of  savage  ingenuity,  for  on 
the  various  tables,  the  rude  polish  of  which  was  bid  from  view  by  the  simple 
covering  of  green  baize,  which  moreover  constituted  the  garnitme  of  the  win- 
dows, were  to  be  seen  other  products  of  their  art.  Here  stood  upon  an  ele- 
vated stand  a  model  of  a  bark  cauoc,  tilled  with  its  complement  of  paddlers 
carved  in  wood  and  dressed  in  full  costume ;  the  latter  executed  with  such 
singular  fidelity  of  feature,  that  although  the  speaking  figures  sprung  not  from 
the  experienced  and  classic  chisel  of  the  sculptor,  but  from  the  rude  scalping 
knife  of  the  savage,  the  very  tribe  to  which  they  belonged  could  be  discovered 
at  a  glance  by  the  European  who  was  conversant  with  the  features  of  each: 
then  there  were  handsomely  oruamentwl  vessels  made  of  the  birch  bark,  and 
filled  with  the  delicate  sugars  which  the  natives  extract  from  the  maple  tree 
in  early  spring ;  these  of  all  sizes,  even  to  the  most  tiny  that  could  well  be 
imagined,  were  valuable  rather  as  exquisite  specimens  of  the  neatnesii  with 
which  those  slight  vessels  could  be  put  together,  sewn  as  they  were  merely 
with  strips  of  the  same  bark,  than  from  any  intrinsic  value  they  possessed. 
Covered  over  with  fantastic  figures,  done  either  in  ptjint,  or  in  quill  work  art- 
fully interwoven  into  the  fibres  of  the  bark,  they  jiresented,  in  their  smooth 
and  polished  surface,  slron,:f;  evidence  of  the  address  of  the  savages  in  their  pre- 
paration of  this  most  useful  and  abundant  produce  of  the  countiy.  Inter- 
spersed with  tiiese,  too,  were  numerous  stands  filled  with  stuffed  birds,  some 
of  which  combined  in  themselves  every  variety  and  sh.adc  of  dazzling  phunage ; 
and  numerous  rudo  Ciiscs  conlained  the  rarest  specimens  of  tlie  .American  but- 
terfly, most  of  wliicli  won;  of  sizes  and  tints  that  are  no  MJicre  equalled  in 
Euroj)!.'.  One  s;*li!:iry  tiil)io  ;\lonc  was  approjjriated  to  whiti.'ver  wore  a  trans- 
atlantic clmracter  in  this  Aviid  1lU(1  museum-like  apartment.  On  this  lay  a 
Spanish  uuitar,  a  low  jjii^ccs  of  old  music,  a  collection  of  Enr,'iish  and  French 
books,  a  couple  of  wriliii'^  desks,  and  .scattered  over  the  wliole,  several  articles 
of  uiiiiuishe'd  needie-work. 

Kueli  was  tlie  ar<!irtm('nt  in  which  Madeline  and  Clini  de  TIaldimar  wore 
iuet  at  tliL'  lumuciit  v.e  havo  seleot'jd  far  their  iiitj'oduetioii  to  our  readers.  It 
was  the  mori:iiiii,' of  tlwii  dav  on  which  tin;  second  couiK'ii  of  the  chiefs,  the 
residt  of  wliicli  lias  alrLiuis'  lie. ii  seen,  was  lidd  at  l)elro';t.  The  sun  had 
risen  bright  and  gorgeously  idnne  the  adjacent  forest,  throwing  his  golden 
beams  upon  the  imIui  gju^sy  v.-ntor:5  of  the  lake;  ami  now.  apjiroaching  ra- 
pidly towiirds  the  nv.'r'M!;:ii',  Lfa<iu:;i'y  diminished   the  tiill  bold  sliiidows  of 


ISA 


WACOUSTa; 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY 


the  block-houses  u|)on  the  shore.  At  the  distance  of  about  a  inilc  lay  th« 
armed  vessel  so  often  allude<l  to ;  her  light  low  hull  dimly  soon  in  the  hazy 
atmosphere  that  danced  upon  the  waters,  and  her  attenuated  masts  and  slop- 
ing jards,  with  their  slight  trucerv  cordajjjp,  recalling  rather  the  complex  and 
delicate  niniiflcations  of  the  spider's  web,  than  the  elastic  yet  solid  machinery 
to  which  the  lives  of  those  within  had  so  often  been  committed  in  sea  and 
tempest.  Upon  the  strand,  and  close  opposite  to  the  small  gate  which  Aow 
stood  ajar,  lay  one  of  her  boats,  the  crew  of  which  had  abandoned  her  with 
the  exception  only  of  a  single  individtial,  apparently  her  cockswain,  who,  with 
the  tiller  under  liis  arm,  lav  half  extended  in  the  stem  sheets,  his  naked  chest 
exposed,  and  his  tarpaulin  hat  shielding  his  eyes  from  the  sun  while  he  indulg- 
ed in  profound  repose.  These  were  the  only  objects  that  told  of  human  life. 
Every  where  bej'ond  the  eye  rested  on  the  faint  outline  of  forest,  that  appear- 
ed ilkc  the  softened  tracing  of  a  pencil  at  the  distant  junction  of  the  waters 
with  the  horizon. 

The  windows  that  commanded  this  prospect  were  now  open  ;  and  through 
that  which  was  nearest  to  the  gate,  half  reclined  the  elegant,  slight  form  of  a 
female,  who,  with  an  open  letter  in  her  hand,  glanced  her  eye  alternately,  and 
with  an  expression  of  joyousncss,  towanls  the  vessel  that  lay  beyond  and  the 

Etint  in  which  the  source  of  ths  Sinclair  was  known  to  lie.    It  was  Clara  de 
aldin:<ir. 

PiTsently  the  vacant  space  at  the  same  window  was  filled  by  another  form, 
but  of  less  girlish  appearance — one  that  embraced  all  the  full  rich  contour  of 
the  Me<licean  Venus,  and  a  lazy  languor  in  its  movements  that  harmonised  with 
the  speaking  outlines  of  the  form,  and  without  which  the  beauty  of  the  whole 
would  have  been  at  variance  and  imperfect.  The  general  expression  more- 
over, of  a  countenance  which,  closely  analysed,  could  not  not  be  termed  bcau- 
ful,  marked  a  mind  at  once  anient  in  its  conceptions,  and  steady  and  resolute 
in  its  silent  accomplishments  of  purpose.    She  was  of  the  middle  height. 

Sucii  was  the  person  of  Madeline  de  Haldimar ;  but  attractive,  or  rather 
winning,  as  were  her  womanly  attributes,  her  principal  power  lay  in  her  voice, 
— the  beauty,  nay  voluptuousness  of  which  nothing  could  surpass.  It  wa» 
impossible  to  listen  to  the  slow,  full,  rich,  deep,  and  melodious  tones  that  fell 
trembling  from  her  lips  upon  the  car,  and  not  feel,  aye  shudder,  under  all 
their  fascination  on  the  soul.  In  such  a  voice  might  the  Madonna  of  Raphael 
have  been  supposed  to  offer  up  her  supplications  from  the  gloomy  precincts  of 
the  cloister.  No  wonder  that  Frederick  de  Haldimar  loved  her,  and  loved 
her  with  all  the  intense  devotcdncss  of  his  own  glo^nng  heart.  His  cousin 
was  to  him  a  divinity  whom  he  worshipped  in  the  innermost  recesses  of  his 
being ;  and  his.  in  return,  was  the  only  ear  in  which  the  accents  of  that  al- 
most superhuman  voice  had  breathed  the  thrilling  confession  of  an  attach- 
ment, which  its  very  tones  announced  would  be  deep  and  imperishable  as  the 
soul  in  which  it  had  taken  root.  Often  in  the  hours  that  prece<led  the  period 
when  they  were  to  have  been  united,  heart  and  mind  and  thought,  in  one 
common  destiny,  would  he  start  from  her  side,  his  brain  whirling  with  very 
intoxication,  and  then  obeying  another  wild  impulse,  rush  once  more  into  her 
embrace  ;  and  clasping  his  beloved  Madeline  to  his  heart,  entreat  her  again  to 
pour  forth  all  the  melody  of  that  confession  in  his  enraptured  car.  Artless 
and  unaflccted  as  she  was  generous  and  impassioned,  the  fond  and  noble  girl 
never  hesitated  to  gratify  him  whom  alone  she  loved  ;  and  deep  and  fervent 
was  the  joy  of  the  soldier,  when  he  found  that  each  passionate  entreaty,  far 
from  being  met  with  caprice,  only  drew  from  the  lips  of  his  cousin  warmer 
and  more  aftectionatc  expressions  of  her  attachment.  Such  expressions,  com- 
ing frohi  any  woman,  must  have  been  rapturous  and  soothing  in  the  extreme; 
but,  when  tiicy  iiowed  from  a  voice  whose  very  sound  was  melody,  they  acted 
on  the  heiirt  of  Captain  do  Haldimar  with  a  potency  that  was  as  irresistible 
as  the  love  itself  which  she  inspired. 

Such  was  the  position  of  things  just  before  the  rommenceniont  of  the  In- 


wacousta:  or,  the  prophkcv. 


m 


c  lay  tha 
the  hazy 
and  slop- 
\\)\cx  and 
mehinery 
I  sea  and 
hich  Aow 
her  with 
ivho,  with 
iked  chest 
fie  indula- 
uinun  life. 
at  appcar- 
he  waters 

d  throuf^h 
form  of  a 
ately,  and 
id  and  the 
s  Clara  de 

thcr  form, 
jontour  of 
miscd  with 
the  whole 
sion  moro- 
■med  bcau- 
id  resolute 
leight. 
,  or  rather 
fi  her  voice, 
It  was 
that  fell 
under  all 
Raphael 
recincts  of 
nd  loved 
is  cousin 
3ses  of  his 
of  that  al- 
an  attach- 
ible  as  the 
;he  period 
ht,  in  one 
with  very 
into  her 
r  again  to 
Artless 
noble  girl 
fervent 
treaty,  far 
n  warmer 
ions,  corn- 
extreme  ; 
;liey  acted 
rrosistible 

)f  the  In- 


id 


dian  war.  Madeline  dc  Ilaldimar  had  been  for  some  time  on  a  visit  to  De- 
troit, and  her  marriage  with  her  cousin  was  to  have  taken  place  within  a  few 
days.  The  unexpected  arrival  of  intelligence  from  Michitliniackinac  that  her 
fktner  was  dangerouit'.y  ill,  however,  i-etarded  the  ceremony ;  aiid,  up  to  the 
uroKcnt  period,  their  intercourse  hati  been  completely  suspended.  If  Mado- 
lino  de  lialdimar  was  capable  of  strong  attachment  to  her  lover,  tlut  power- 
Ail  ties  of  nature  were  no  less  deeply  rooted  in  her  heart,  and  commiseration 
and  anxiety  for  her  father  now  engrossed  every  faculty  of  her  mind.  She 
entreated  her  cousin  to  defer  the  solemnisation  of  their  nuptials  until  her 
parent  should  be  pronounced  out  of  danger,  and,  having  obtained  his  consent 
to  delay,  instantly  set  otf  for  Michilliinackinac,  accompanied  by  her  cousin 
Clara,  whom  she  had  prevailed  on  the  governor  to  part  with  until  her  own 
return.  Hostilities  were  commenced  very  shortly  afterwards^  and,  although 
Major  de  Haldimar  speedily  recovered  from  his  illness,  the  fair  cousins  were 
compelled  to  share  the  common  imprisonment  of  the  garrison. 

When  Miss  de  Haldimar  joined  her  more  youthful  cousin  at  the  window, 
through  which  the  latter  was  gazing  thoughtfully  on  the  scene  before  her,  she 
flung  ner  arm  around  her  waist  with  the  protecting  manner  of  a  mother. 
The  mild  blue  eyes  of  Clara  met  those  that  were  fastened  in  tenderness  upon 
her,  and  a  corresponding  movement  on  her  part  brought  the  more  matronly 
form  of  her  cousin  into  close  and  affectionate  contact  with  her  own. 

"  Oh,  Madeline,  what  a  day  ia  this !"  she  e.vclaimcd ;  "  and  how  often  on 
my  bended  knees  have  I  prayed  to  heaven  t  ^atit  might  arrive!  Our  trials 
are  ended  at  last,  and  happiness  and  joy  are  once  more  before  us.  There  is 
the  boat  that  is  to  conduct  us  to  the  vessel,  which,  ui  its  turn,  is  to  bear  me 
to  the  arms  of  my  dear  father,  and  you  to  those  of  the  lover  who  adores  you. 
How  bcautifiU  docs  that  fabric  appar  to  me  now !  Never  did  I  feel  half  the 
pleasure  in  surveying  it  I  do  at  this  moment." 

"  Dear,  dear  gu'I !"  exclaimed  Miss  de  Haldimar,  and  she  pressed  her  closer 
and  in  sUence  to  her  heart ;  then,  after  a  slight  pause,  during  which  the  numt- 
ling  glow  upon  her  brow  told  how  deeply  she  desired  the  reunion  alluded  to 
by  her  cousin — "  that,  indeed,  will  bo  an  hour  of  happiness  to  us  both,  Clara ; 
for  irrevocably  as  our  affections  have  been  pledged,  it  would  ))e  silly  in  the 
extreme  to  deny  that.  I  long  most  ardently  to  be  restored  to  him  who  is 
already  my  husband.  But,  tell  me,"  she  concluded,  with  an  archness  of  ex- 
pression that  caused  the  long-lashed  eyes  of  her  companion  to  sink  beneath 
her  own,  "  are  you  quite  sincere  in  your  own  case  ?  I  know  how  deeply  you 
love  your  father  and  your  brothers,  but  do  these  alone  occupy  your  attention  7 
Is  there  not  a  certain  friend  of  Charles  whom  you  have  some  little  curiosity 
to  see  also  ?" 

"  How  silly,  Madeline !"  and  the  cheek  of  the  young  girl  became  suffused 
with  a  deeper  glow ;  "  you  know  I  have  never  seen  this  friend  of  my  brother, 
how  then  can  I  possibly  feel  more  than  the  most  ordinary  interest  in  him  j 
I  am  disposed  to  like  him,  certainly,  for  the  mere  reason  that  Charles  does ; 
but  this  Ls  all." 

•'  Well,  Clara,  I  will  not  pretend  to  decide ;  but  certain  it  is,  this  is  the  last 
letter  yuu  received  from  Charles,  and  that  it  contains  the  strongest  recommen- 
dations of  liis  friend  to  your  notice.  Equally  certain  is  it,  that  scarcely  a 
day  has  passed,  since  we  have  been  shut  up  here,  that  you  have  not  perused 
and  re-perused  it  half  a  dozen  times.  Now,  as  I  am  confesse<ily  one  who 
should  know  something  of  these  matters,  I  must  be  suffered  to  pronounce 
these  .are  strong  symptoms,  to  say  the  very  least.  Ah !  Clara,  that  blush  de- 
clares you  guilty.     But  who  have  we  here?    Middleton  and  Baynton." 

The  eyes  of  the  cousins  now  fell  upon  the  ramparts  immediately  imder  the 
window.  Two  ofhccrs,  one  apparently  on  duty  for  the  day,  were  passing  at 
the  moment ;  and,  as  they  heard  their  names  pronounced,  stopped,  looked  up, 
and  saluted  the  younn;  ladies  with  that  easy  freedom  of  manner,  which,  un- 
mixed with  either  di.sresi)ect  or  effrontery,  so  usually  characterises  the  address 
of  military  men. 


^v^ 


128 


wacousta;    or,   the    propiigcv 


"  Wliat  a  contrast,  by  heaven  !"  exclaimed  he  who  wore  the  badge  of  du./ 
suspended  over  hia  chest,  throwing  himself  playftilly  into  ti  theatrical  attitude, 
expressive  at  once  of  admlrntion  and  surpnse,  while  his  eye  glanced  intelli- 
gently over  the  fair  but  dissimilar  forms  of  the  cousins.  "  Venus  and  Psycho 
in  the  land  of  the  I'ottowataniics,  by  all  that  is  magnirtcent !  Oomo,  Middle- 
ton,  (piick,  out  with  that  ctomnl  pencil  of  yours,  and  perform  your  promise." 

"  And  what  may  that  promise  be?"  asked  Clara,  laughingly,  antf  without 
advcrtinjr  to  the  hyperbolical  coinpliTnent  of  the  dark-eyed  officer  who  had 
just  spoken. 

"  You  shall  hear,"  jnirsucd  the  lively  captain  of  the  guard.  "  While  mak- 
ing the  tour  of  the  ramparts  just  now,  to  visit  my  sentries,  I  saw  Middleton 
leaning  most  sentimentally  against  one  of  the  boxes  in  front,  his  note  book  in 
one  lianil  and  his  pencil  in  the  other.  Curious  to  discover  the  subject  of  his 
abstraction,  I  stole  cautiously  behind  him,  and  saw  that  he  was  sketching  the 
head  of  a  tall  and  rather  handsome  squaw,  who,  in  the  midst  of  a  hundred 
<)Ui».TS,  was  standing  close  to  the  gateway  watching  the  preparations  of  the 
Indian  ball  players.  T  at  onco  taxed  him  with  having  lost  his  heart;  and 
j-allying  him  on  his  bad  taste  in  devoting  his  pencil  to  any  thing  that  had 
a  red  skin,  nevei'  combed  its  hair,  and  turned  its  toes  in  while  walking,  pro- 
nounced his  sketch  to  be  an  absolute  fright.  Well,  will  you  believe  what  I 
have  to  add  ?  The  man  absolutely  flew  into  a  trcmeudou..  passion  with  me, 
and  swore  that  she  was  a  Venus,  a  Juno,  a  Minerva,  a  beauty  of  the  first 
water  in  short ;  and  finished  by  promising,  that  whin  T  could  point  out  any 
woman  who  was  superior  to  her  in  personal  attractions,  he  would  on  the  in- 
stant write  no  less  tlian  a  dozen  consecutive  sonnets  in  her  praise.  I  now  call 
tipon  him  to  fulfil  his  promise,  or  maintain  the  superiority  of  his  Indian 
beauty." 

Before  the  laughing  Middleton  could  find  time  to  reply  to  the  light  and 
immeaning  rattle  of  his  friend,  the  quick  low  roll  of  a  drum  was  beard  from 
the  front.  The  signal  was  understood  by  both  officers,  and  they  prej)ared  to 
depart. 

"  This  is  the  hour  appointed  for  the  council,"  said  Captain  Baynton,  look- 
ing at  his' watch,  '"and  1  must  be  with  my  guard,  to  receive  tlie  chiefs  with 
becoming  honor.  TIow  T  pity  j'ou,  Middleton,  who  will  have  the  infliction  of 
one  of  their  great  big  tallcs,  as  I\lHrj)hy  would  call  it,  dinned  into  3  our  ear 
for  the  next  two  hours  at  least !  Thank  neaven,  my  to\ir  of  duty  exempts 
me  from  that ;  and  by  wa^'  of  killing  an  hour.  1  think  1  shall  go  and  (;arry 
on  a  flirtation  with  your  Indian  Minerva,  alias  Venus,  alias  Juno,  wliile  you 
are  discussing  the  affairs  of  the  nation  with  closud  doors.  But  hark  !  there 
is  the  assomblj-  drum  again.  We  must  be  off.  Come,  IMiddleton,  come. 
Adieu  !"  waving  his  hand  to  the  cousins,  '•  we  shall  meet  at  diunir." 

"  What  an  ince.-J.'^ant  talker  Baynton  is !"  obsen-ed  iMiss  <lc  Ilaldimar,  as 
the  young  men  now  disappeared  round  an  angle  of  the  I'unipart ;  "  hut  he 
has  reminded  inc  of  what  T  had  nearly  forgotten,  and  that  is  to  give  orders 
for  dinner.  IMy  frtthcr  has  invited  all  the  officers  to  dine  vrith  him  <o-d.iy,  in 
commemoration  of  tiie  pe.ice  whicli  is  hfing  concluded.  It  will  be  tlic  fir,«t 
time  we  shall  have  all  met  togctiior  i-ince  the  commeuccmcnt  of  this  cruel 
war,  and  we  must  endeavor,  Clura,  to  do  honor  to  the  feast." 

"  I  I'.ope,"  timiilly  observed  her  cousin,  sliudderir.g  as  she  spoke,  '-that  none 
of  those  horrid  cliiefs  wii!  be  present,  Mmlidine ;  fov,  withont  any  allectation 
of  fear  whatever,  1  feel  tluit  T  could  not  so  far  overcome  my  disgust  as  to  sit 
at  the  same  table  with  them.  There  v.'ns  a  time,  it  is  (rue,  when  I  thought 
nothing  of  these  thim.vs ;  but,  since  tlie  war  I  have  witnessed  and  heard  so 
much  of  their  horrid  deeds,  tliat  I  ,sh;dl  never  bo  able  lo  endure  the  sight  of 
an  Indian  face  sigain.  Ah !"  she  concluded,  turning  her  eyes  upon  the  lake, 
while  .she  clung  more  closely  to  the  embrace  of  her  companion ;  ••  would  to 
heaven,  Madeline,  thiit  we  were  both  at  this  moment  gliding  in  yonder  vessel, 
and  in  sight  of  nv\  fa tiier's  fort !" 


WAC0U8TA;     OH,    TUK     PROPUKCY. 


120 


Klgo  of  du.y 
ical  attitude, 
inccd  intelU- 
1  and  Psycho 
:)mc,  Middlc- 
ur  promise." 
t\jid  without 
:er  who  had 

While  mak- 
,w  Middleton 
i  note  book  in 
subject  of  his 
sketclung  the 
of  a  hundred 
■ations  of  the 
is  hciirt ;  and 
hinp  that  had 
wivlkina;,  pro- 
dicvo  Avhat  I 
■jsion  with  mc, 
ty  (if  the  first 
point  out  any 
iM  on  the  in- 
50.    T  now  call 
of  his  Indian 

the  light  and 
as  heard  from 
loy  prepared  to 

iBnynton,  look- 

ihe"  chiefs  with 

he  infliction  of 

into  your  ear 

duty  exempts 

go  "and  carry 

luio,  while  you 

it  hark !  there 

I'lleton,   come. 

KV." 

Iliildimar,  as 

part ;  "  but  he 

to  f;ivc  orders 

hiin  to-d;iy,  in 

ill  bo  the  first 

of  Ill's  cruel 

jke, '-that  none 
any  al'bctation 
s^i'ust  as  to  sib 
lion  I  thought 

and  heard  so 
irc  the  si^;ht  of 
upon  the  lake, 
311 ;  ••  would  to 

vender  vessel, 


CHAPTER  XVII. 

The  eyes  of  Miss  do  Haldimar  followed  those  of  her  cousin,  and  rested  on 
the  dark  hull  of  the  schooner,  with  which  so  many  recollections  of  the  past 
and  anticipations  of  the  future  were  associated  in  their  minds.  When  they 
had  last  looked  upon  it,  all  appearance  of  human  life  had  vanished  from  its 
decks ;  but  now  there  was  strong  evidence  of  unusual  bustle  and  activity. 
Numerous  persons  could  be  seen  moving  hastily  to  and  fro,  their  heads  just 
peering  above  the  bulwarks ;  and  presently  they  beheld  a  small  boat  move 
from  the  ship's  side,  and  shoot  rapidly  ahead,  in  a  direct  line  with  the  well- 
known  bearings  of  the  Sinclair's  course.  While  they  continued  to  gaze  on 
this  point,  following  the  course  of  the  light  vessel,  and  forming  a  variety  of 
conjectures  as  to  the  cause  of  a  movement,  especially  remarkable  from  the 
circumstance  of  the  commander  being  at  that  moment  in  the  fort,  whither  he 
had  been  sunmioned  to  attend  the  council,  another  and  scarcely  perceptible 
object  was  dimly  seen,  at  the  distance  of  about  half  a  mile  in  front  of  the 
boat.  With  the  aid  of  a  telescope,  which  had  formed  one  of  the  principal  rc- 
Eources  of  the  cousins  during  their  long  imprisonment.  Miss  do  Haldimar  now 
perceived  a  dark  and  shapeless  mass  moving  somewhat  heavily  along  the  lake, 
and  in  a  lino  with  the  schooner  and  the  boat.  This  was  evidently  approach- 
ing ;  for  each  moment  it  loomed  larger  upon  the  hazv  water,  increasing  in 
bulk  in  the  same  proportion  that  the  departing  skifi  became  less  distinct : 
still,  it  was  impossible  to  discover,  at  that  distance,  in  what  manner  it  was 
propelled.  Wind  there  was  none,  not  as  much  as  would  have  changed  the 
course  of  a  feather  dropping  through  space ;  and,  except  where  the  dividing 
oars  of  the  boatmen  had  agitated  the  waters,  the  whole  surface  of  the  lake 
was  like  a  sea  of  pale  and  liquid  gold. 

At  length  the  two  dark  bodies  met,  and  the  men  in  the  boat  were  seen  to 
lie  upon  their  oars,  while  one  in  the  stern  seemed  to  be  in  the  act  of  attaching 
a  rope  to  the  formless  matter.  For  a  few  moments  there  was  a  cessation  of 
all  movement ;  and  then  again  the  active  and  sturdy  rowing  of  the  boatmen 
was  renewed,  and  with  an  exertion  of  strength  even  more  vigorous  than  that 
they  had  previously  exhibited.  Their  course  was  now  directed  towards  the 
vessel :  and  as  it  gradually  neared  that  fabric,  the  rope  by  which  the  strange 
looking  object  wsvs  secured,  could  be  distinctly  though  faintly  seen  with  the 
telescope.  It  whs  iuipossiblo  to  say  whether  the  latter,  whatever  it  might  be, 
was  urged  by  souie  invisible  means,  or  merely  floated  in  the  wake  of  the 
boat ;  for,  although  the  waters  through  which  it  passed  ran  rippling  and 
foaming  from  their  course,  this  eifect  might  have  been  produced  by  the  boat 
which  preceded  it.  As  it  now  approached  the  vessel,  it  presented  the  appear- 
ance of  a  dense  wood  of  evergreens,  the  overhanging  branches  of  which  de- 
scended clohc  to  the  water's  e;lgc,  and  balHed  evcrj'  attempt  of  the  cousins  to 
discover  its  true  character.  The  boat  had  now  arrived  within  a  hundred 
yards  of  the  schooner,  when  a  man  was  seen  to  rise  from  its  bows,  and  put- 
ting both  his  hands  to  his  mouth,  after  the  manner  of  sailors  in  hailing,  to 
continue  in  that  position  for  some  moments,  apparently  conversing  with  thoso 
who  were  groupeil  along  the  nearest  gangway.  Then  were  observed  rapid 
movements  on  the  decks;  and  men  were  seen  hastening  aloft,  and  standing 
out  upon  the  foremost  yards.  This,  however,  had  oftered  no  inte.ruption  to 
the  exertions  of  the  boatmen,  who  still  kept  plying  with  a  vigor  that  set  even 
the  sailless  vossel  in  motion,  as  the  foaming  water,  thrown  from  their  bending 
oar-blades,  dashed  angi-ily  against  her  prow.  Soon  after^vanls,  both  the  boa.; 
and  her  prize  disappeared  on  ilie  opposite  side  of  the  schooner,  which  now 
lying  witli  lar  broadside  iunnediately  on  a  line  with  the  shore,  completely 
hid  them  from  the  further  view  of  the  cousins. 

"  Look  ! — Look  !"  said  Clara,  clinging  .sensitivelv  and  with  al.irm  to  the  al- 
1) 


130 


WAOOUITA 


O  R  . 


THE  PROPHIOY, 


most  matomnl  boRotn  affainst  which  Hho  rcpoKo<l,  while  she  pointed  with  her 
linger  to  another  dark  mnss  that  wns  nir)viii(;  through  the  lake  in  a  circular 
Rweup  ft-oin  tho  point  of  wood  terminating  the  clearing  on  the  right  of  the 
fort. 

him  de  Ilaldiinar  threw  the  gluHH  on  tho  ohjont  to  which  her  attention  wan 
now  directed.  It  was  evidently  some  furred  animal,  and  presented  all  tho  ap- 
pearance cither  of  a  large  water-rat  or  a  beaver,  the  latter  of  which  it  was 
pronounced  to  bo  an  a  nearer  apiiroach  rendered  its  shape  more  distinct. 
Ever  and  anon,  too,  it  disappeared  ultojjether  under  tho  water  ;  and  when  it 
a^ain  camo  in  sight,  it  wa«i  always  several  yards  nearer.  Its  course,  at  firsi 
circuitous,  at  lengtii  took  a  direct  line  with  tho  stern  of  tho  boat,  wlicro  the 
sailor  who  was  in  charge  still  lay  oxtende<l  at  his  drowsy  length,  his  taq)nulin 
hat  shaxling  his  eyes,  and  his  arms  folded  over  his  nucovcred  chest,  while  ho 
continued  to  sleep  as  profoundly  as  if  he  had  been  comfortably  berthed  in  his 
hammock  in  tho  middle  of  the  AlKintic. 

"What  a  large  bold  animal  it  is,"  remarked  Olara,  in  tho  tone  of  one  who 
wishes  to  bo  confirmed  in  an  impression  but  inditlenntly  entertained.  " See 
how  close  it  approiiches  the  boat!  Had  that  la/.y  sailor  but  his  wits  aboni 
h!m,  he  might  easily  knock  it  on  tho  head  with  his  oar.  It  is — it  is  a  beaver, 
Madeline ;  I  can  distinguish  its  head  even  with  the  nuki'<l  oye." 

"  Heaven  grant  it  may  be  a  beaver,"  aiiawered  Miss  do  iialdimar,  in  a  voice 
so  deep  and  full  of  meaning,  that  it  made  her  cousin  start  and  turn  paler 
even  than  before.  "  Nay,  Clara,  dourest,  coi'imand  yourself,  nor  give  way  to 
what  may,  after  all,  prove  a  gioundlcss  cause  of  alarm.  Yet  I  know  not  now 
it  is,  my  heart  misgi\es  mo  sadly  ;  for  1  like  not  the  motions  of  this  rnimal, 
which  are  .strangely  and  unusually  bold.  But  this  is  not  all :  a  beaver  or  a 
rat  might  rufllo  the  mere  surfiuo  of  the  water,  yet  this  leaves  behind  it  a  deep 
and  gurgling  furrow,  as  if  the  element  had  been  ploughed  to  its  very  bottom. 
Observe  how  the  lake  is  iijiituted  and  discolored  wherever  it  has  passed. 
Moreover,  I  dislike  this  su<lden  bustle  on  board  the  schooner,  knowing,  n.s  I 
do,  there  is  not  «n  olliccr  pn'sent  to  order  the  movements  now  visibly  going 
fonvard.  Tho  men  are  evidently  getting  up  tho  anchor ;  and  see  how  her 
sails  are  loosened,  apparently  courting  tho  breeze,  as  if  sho  would  fly  to  avoid 
some  threatened  danger.  Would  to  heaven  tl  is  council  scene  were  over ;  for 
I  do,  as  much  as  yourself,  dearest  Clara,  distrust  these  cruel  Indians." 

A  significant  gesture  from  her  trembling  cousin  again  drew  her  attention 
from  the  vessel  to  the  boat.  Tho  animal,  which  now  exhibited  tho  delicate 
and  glossy  fur  of  the  beaver,  had  gained  tho  stern,  and  remained  stationary 
within  a  foot  of  her  quarter.  Presently  tho  sailor  made  a  sluggish  move- 
ment, turning  himself  heavily  on  his  side,  and  with  his  face  towards  his  curi- 
ous and  daring  visitant.  In  the  act  the  tarpaulin  had  fallen  from  his  eyes, 
but  still  he  awoke  not.  Scarcely  had  he  .settle!  himself  in  his  new  position, 
when,  to  tho  infinite  horror  of  tho  excited  cous  n-  a  naked  human  hand  was 
raised  from  beneath  the  surface  of  the  lake,  ii.il  ,.Iaced  upon  the  gunwale  of 
the  boat.  Then  rose  slowly,  and  still  covered  'vrtli  its  ingenious  disguise,  first 
the  neck,  then  the  shoulders,  and  liiially  tho  furni.  even  to  the  midwaist,  of  a 
dark  and  swarthy  Indian,  who.  stooping  low  and  cautiously  over  the  sailor, 
now  reposetl  the  hand  that  had  (juitted  the  gunwale  upon  his  form,  while  the 
other  was  thrust  searchingly  into  tho  belt  encircling  his  waist. 

Miss  de  Iialdimar  would  have  called  out,  to  apprise  the  unhappy  man  of 
his  danger ;  but  her  voice  refused  its  office,  and  her  cousin  was  oven  less  capa- 
ble of  exertion  than  herself.  'J'lie  deep  throbbings  of  their  hearts  were  now 
audible  to  each  ;  for  the  dreadful  interest  they  took  in  the  scene,  had  excited 
their  feelings  to  the  most  intense  stretch  of  agony.  At  the  very  moment, 
however,  when,  with  almost  suspended  animation,  they  expected  to  sec  the 
knife  of  the  savage  driven  into  the  chest  of  the  sleeping  and  unsuspecting 
sailor,  the  hitter  suddenly  started  up,  and  instinct  with  the  full  sense  of  the 
danger  by  which  he  was  menaced,  in  less  time  than  we  take  to  describe  it. 


toil  with  her 
in  (I  circular 
right  of  the 

ittontion  wu 
'<l  ail  tho  ap- 
iVhich  it  was 
loro  diRtinct. 
unci  when  it 
iifHo,  at  first 
t,  where  th« 
his  tarpnulin 
L'Ht,  while  hs 
crthcd  in  his 

5  of  one  who 
linwl.  "  See 
s  wits  aboni 
t  is  a  bearer, 

ar,  in  a  voice 

I  turn  paler 

give  way  to 

low  not  now 

this  rnimal, 

beaver  or  a 

ind  it  a  deep 

wry  bottom. 

has  passed. 

nowing,  n-s  I 

r'isibly  going 

see  how  her 

fly  to  avoid 

re  over ;  for 

ans." 

r  attention 
the  (lelicntc 

stationary 
rgish  move- 
rds  his  curi- 
>m  his  eyes, 
ew  position, 
n  hand  was 
gunwale  of 
isguise,  first 
dwaist,  of  a 
r  the  sailor, 
n,  while  the 

>py  man  of 
n  less  capa- 
s  were  now 
had  excited 
ry  moment. 

to  sec  the 
nsuspccting 
sense  of  the 

describe  it. 


waoousta;    or,   ihk    prophecy^ 


t» 


seized  the  tiller  of  his  rudder,  the  oulv  available  instrument  within  his  rnad^ 
and  directing  a  |>owerfid  blow  at  the  heitd  of  his  amphibious  enemy,  laid  hio^ 
withoui.  apparent  life  or  motion,  acroiis  tliu  boat. 

"  Almighty  <iod  !  what  can  tliin  nicut  7"  exclaimed  Miss  do  Haldimitr,  •• 
soon  as  she  could  recover  her"  presenre  of  mind.  "  There  is  some  feairfld 
treachery  in  agitiition  ;  and  a  (^loud  uuw  hungs  over  all  that  will  soon  hunA 
with  irresistible  fury  on  our  devoted  hciwls.  Olura,  my  love,"  and  sIki  coo- 
duute<i  the  ahrust  fainting  girl  to  a  seat,  ''  wait  here  until  I  niturn.  Tho  mo- 
ment is  <;ritical,  and  my  father  taust  be  apprised  of  w!i.it  wo  liave  seen.  Ub> 
loss  the  'ates  of  the  fort  are  instantly  closed,  we  are  lost." 

"  Oh,  Madeline,  leave  mo  not  alone,"  entreated  tho  sinking  Clara.  "  W» 
will  go  together.     Perhaps  I  may  be  of  service  to  you  below." 

''  The  thought  is  good  ;  but  have  you  strength  mul  courage  to  fano  Uh» 
dark  chiefs  in  the  council-room.  If  so,  hasten  there,  and  put  my  father  on 
his  guard,  while  1  lly  across  the  parade',  and  warn  Captain  Baynton  of  th» 
danger." 

With  these  words  she  drew  the  arm  of  her  agitated  c<iusin  within  her  ohvil 
and,  rapidly  traversing  the  apartment,  gained  the  be<l-room  which  o|i(;nM 
closo  upon  the  head  of  the  principal  staircase.  Already  were  they  desci  luliiig 
the  first  steps,  when  a  loud  cry,  that  sent  a  thrill  of  terror  through  their 
blood,  was  heard  ''rom  without  the  fort.  For  a  moment  Miss  de  ilaldliiMr 
continued  irresolute ;  and  leaning  against  tho  rude  balustrade  for  support, 
passed  her  hand  rapidly  across  her  brow,  us  if  to  collect  her  scattered  euerg;iGS. 
The  necessity  for  prompt  and  immediate  action  was,  )iowcver,  evident ;  nad 
she  alone  was  capable  of  exertion.  Speechless  with  uiartn,  and  iruiubiinf;  m 
every  joint,  the  unhappy  Clara  had  now  lost  all  coiiunund  of  her  limbs ;  and, 
clinging  close  to  the  side  of  her  cousin,  by  her  wild  looks  alone  Ix't.niynd 
consciousness  had  not  whollv  deserted  her.  The  energy  of  despair  lent  rnatv 
than  woman's  strength  to  Miss  de  Ilaldiinar.  She  caught  the  fainting  girl  in 
her  arms,  retraced  her  way  to  the  chamber,  and  dejwsiting  her  burden  on  thfr 
bed,  emphatically  enjoined  her  on  no  accoimt  to  move  imtil  her  return.  SUs 
then  quitted  the  room,  and  rapidly  descended  the  staircase. 

For  some  moments  all  was  still  and  hushed  as  the  waveless  air;  nnd  tlics 
again  a  loud  chorus  of  shouts  was  hoard  from  the  ram[turts  of  the  fort.  The 
choked  breathing  of  tho  young  girl  became  moie  free,  and  the  blood  ra'^hod 
once  more  from  her  oppressed  heart  to  tho  extremities.  Never  did  tont'S  tdf 
tho  human  voice  fall  more  gratefully  on  tho  ear  of  mariner  cast  on  some  dcticrt 
island,  than  did  those  on  that  of  the  highly  excited  ('lara.  Tt  was  the^  load 
laugh  of  tho  soldiery,  who,  collected  along  the  line  of  rampart  in  fitmt,  wcxe 
watching  the  progress  of  the  ball-players.  Cheered  by  the  welcome  soiiMby 
she  raised  herself  from  the  bed  to  satisfy  her  oye  her  ear  had  not  deceiTed 
her.  The  windows  of  both  bed-chambers  looked  immediately  on  tho  barrack 
square,  and  commanded  a  full  view  of  the  principal  entnmce.  From  that  at 
which  she  now  stood,  tho  revived  but  still  anxious  girl  could  distinctly  see  all 
that  was  passing  in  front.  The  ramparts  were  covered  with  soldiers,  wbo^ 
armed  merely  with  their  bayonets,  stood  grouped  in  careless  attitudes*— .«wa»e 
with  their  wives  leaning  on  their  arms — others  with  their  children  npraised,, 
that  they  might  the  better  observe  the  enlivening  sjwrts  without — some  knr 
indolently  with  their  legs  overhanging  the  works — others,  assuming  piigiKate 
attitudes,  dealt  their  harmless  blows  at  each  other, — and  all  were  blciid««f 
together,  men,  women,  and  children,  with  that  heedlessness  of  thought  tbait 
told  how  little  of  distrust  existed  within  their  breasts.  The  soldiers  ot"  tht 
guard,  too,  exhibited  the  same  air  of  calm  ami  unsusi»ecting  confidence  j  soiar 
walking  to  and  fro  within  the  square,  while  the  greater  portion  either  iniicad 
with  their  comrades  above,  or,  with  arms  folded,  legs  carelessly  crossed,  aaaS 
pipe  in  mouth,  leant  lazily  against  the  gate,  and  ga/.cd  beyond  the  lowerrf 
drawbridge  on  the  Indian  games. 

A  mountaiii  weight  seemed  to  liavc  been  i-iunoved  froia  the  breast  of  dgan- 


132 


wacousta;  or,  thk  prophecy. 


at  this  sight,  as  sl>o  wow  dropped  ui)On  he  knocs  before  the  window,  and 
raised  her  hands  in  pious  acknowledgment  to  lieaven. 

"  Ahnis^hty  C'od,  1  thank  tlicc,"  slie  fervently  exclaimed,  her  eye  once  more 
lighting  up,  and  her  check  half  suffused  with  blushes  at  her  late  vaj?ue  and 
idl''  fears  ;  while  she  embraced,  at  a  single  glance,  the  whole  of  the  gladdening 
juw  inspiring  scone. 

Wliile  her  soul  was  yet  upturned  whither  her  words  had  gone  before,  her 
cars  were  again  assailed  by  sounds  that  curdled  her  blood,  and  made  her 
spring  to  her  feet  as  if  stricken  by  a  bullet  through  the  heart,  or  powerfully 
touched  by  some  okctric  duid.  It  was  the  well-known  and  devilish  war-cry 
of  the  savages,  startling  the  very  air  through  which  it  passed,  and  falling  like 
a  deadly  blight  ujwn  the  spirit.  With  a  mechanical  and  desperate  effort  at 
courage,  tiie  mihappy  girl  turned  her  eyes  below,  and  there  met  images  of 
death  in  their  most  ajijsalling  .shapes.  Ilurry  and  contusion  and  despair  were 
every  where  visible  ;  for  a  band  of  Indians  were'  already  in  the  fort,  and  these, 
fast  succeeded  by  others,  rushed  like  a  torrent  into  the  square,  and  commenced 
their  dreailful  woi-k  of  butchery.  Many  of  the  terrified  soldiers,  without 
thinking  of  drawing  their  bayonets,  flew  down  the  ramparts  in  order  to  gain 
t&eir  respective  block-houses  for  their  muskets:  but  these  everywhere  met 
•death  from  the  crushing  lor.:ahawk,  short  riile,  or  gleaming  knife ; — other.s 
who  had  ])re-;enco  of  mind  sufficient  to  avail  themselves  of  their  only  weapons 
of  defence,  rushed  down  in  the  fury  of  desperation  on  the  yelling  fiends,  re- 
solved to  sell  their  lives  as  dearly  as  possible  ;  and  for  some  minutes  an  obsti- 
nate contest  was  maintained  :  but  the  vast  superiority  of  the  Indian  numbers 
triumphed  ;  and  although  the  men  fought  with  all  the  fierceness  of  despair, 
forcing  their  way  to  the  block-houses,  their  mangled  corses  strewed  the  area 
jn  every  direction.  Neither  was  the  horrid  butchery  confined  to  these. 
Women  clinging  to  their  husbands  for  protection,  and,  in  the  recklessness  of 
their  despair,  impeding  the  eflbrts  of  the  latter  in  their  .self-defence — children 
.screp.ming  in  terror,  or  supplicating  mercy  on  their  bended  knees — infants 
clasj)ed  to  their  parents'  breasts,  all  alike  sunk  under  the  unpitying  steel  of 
the  blood-tliirsty-savages.  At  the  guard-house  the  principal  stand  had  been 
made  ;  for  at  t;ic  first  rush  into  the  fort,  the  men  on  duty  had  gained  thcii- 
station,  and,  having  made  fast  the  barricades,  opened  their  fire  upon  the 
enemy.  Mixed  pcle-mele  as  they  were  with  the  Indians,  many  of  the  English 
were  shot  by  their  own  comrades,  who,  m  the  confusion  of  the  moment,  were 
incapable  of  taking  a  cool  and  discriminating  aim.  These,  however,  were 
finally  overcome.  A  band  of  desperate  Indians  rushed  upon  the  main  door, 
and  witli  repeated  blows  from  their  tomahawks  and  massive  war-clubs,  suc- 
ceeded in  demolishing  it,  while  others  diverted  the  fire  of  those  within.  The 
door  once  forced,  the  struggle  was  soon  over.  Every  man  of  the  guard  per- 
ished, and  their  scalpless  and  disfigured  forms  were  thrown  out  to  swell  the 
.number  of  those  thac  already  deluged  the  square  with  their  blood. 

Even  amid  all  the  horrors  of  this  terrific  .scene,  the  agonised  Clara  preserved 
"her  consciousness.  The  very  imminence  of  the  danger  endued  her  with  .strength 
to  embrace  it  under  all  its  most  disheartening  aspects;  and  she,  whose  mind 
had  been  wrought  up  to  the  highest  pitch  of  jiowcrfid  excitement  by  the  mere 
preliminary  threatonings,  was  comparativel}'  collected  under  the  catRstropho 
itself.  Death,  certain  death,  to  all,  she  saw  was  inevitable ;  and  while  her  per- 
ception at  once  embraced  i  he  futility  of  all  attempts  at  escape  from  the  general 
doom,  .she  .snatched  from  despair  the  power  to  follow  its  gloomy  details  with- 
out being  annihilated  under  tlieir  weight. 

The  cor.fusion  of  the  garrison  had  now  reached  its  acme  of  horror.  The 
shrieks  of  women  and  the  .shrill  cries  of  children,  as  they  severally  and  fruit- 
lessly fled  from  tlu'  death  certain  to  overtake  them  in  the  end, — the  cursings 
of  the  scldicrs,  Uie  veilings  of  tlie  Indians,  the  rejwrts  of  riilcs,  and  the  crp.sh- 
ings  of  tomaha\vl-:s ; — Ihes^-,  with  the  stamping  of  human  feet  in  (he  dcnth 
struggle  maintained  in  the  conncil-ioom  below  between  ihe  chiefs  nni  the  oHi- 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


133 


and 


curs,  and  which  shook  the  block-house  to  its  very  foundation,  all  mixed  up  in 
terrible  chorus  together,  might  have  called  up  a  not  inapt  image  of  hell  to  the 
bewildered  and  confounding  brain.  And  yet  the  sun  shone  in  yellow  lustre, 
and  all  nature  smiled,  and  wore  an  air  of  calm,  ns  if  the  accursed  deed  had  had 
the  sanction  of  heaven,  and  the  spirits  of  hght  loved  to  look  upon  the  frightful 
atrocities  then  in  perpetration. 

In  the  tiist  distraction  of  her  spirit,  Clara  had  utterly  lost  all  recollection  of 
her  cousin ;  but  now  that  she  had  with  unnatuial  despeiatiou,  brought  her 
mind  to  bear  upon  the  iiercest  points  of  tlie  jirini  realty,  she  turned  her  eye 
everywhere  amid  the  scene  of  dcatii  in  si^arch  of  the  form  of  her  beloved  Made- 
line, whom  she  did  not  remember  to  have  seen  cross  the  jjurade  in  pursuance 
of  the  pur|)ose  she  had  named.  While  she  yet  gazed  fearfully  from  the  win- 
dows, loud  l>ui'sts  of  mingled  anguish  and  rage,  tliat  were  almost  drowned  in 
the  liercer  yells  with  which  they  were  blended;  ascended  from  the  giound-floor 
of  the  block-house.  These  hiul  hitherto  been  suppressed,  as  if  the  desperate 
attack  of  the  chiefs  on  the  oflicers  had  been  made  with  closed  doors.  Now, 
however,  thei-e  was  an  evident  outburst  of  all  particjs  into  the  passage ;  and 
there  the  struggle  appeared  to  be  desperately  and  foai-fuUy  maintained.  la 
the  midst  of  that  chaotic  scene,  the  loud  and  piercing  shriek  of  a  female  rose 
far  above  the  discordant  yell  even  of  the  savages.  'J'here  was  an  instant  of 
pause,  and  then  tiie  crashing  of  a  skull  was  heard,  au'l  the  confusion  was 
greater  than  before ;  shrieks,  and  groans,  and  curses,  auvl  supplications  rent 
the  air. 

The  first  single  shriek  came  fiom  Madeline  de  Haldimar,  and  vibrated 
through  every  chord  of  the  heai-t  on  Avhich  it  sank.  Scarcely  conscious  of 
what  she  did,  Clara,  quitting  the  window,  once  more  gained  tiio  top  of  the 
staircase,  and  at  the  extremity  of  her  voice  called  on  the  name  of  her  cousin  in 
the  most  piteous  accents.  She  was  answered  by  a  loud  shout  from  the  yelling 
band ;  and  presently  bounding  feet  and  screaming  voices  were  heard  ascending  the 
stairs.  The  terrified  girl  fancied  at  the  moment  she  heard  a  door  open  on  the 
floor  immediately  below  her,  and  some  one  dart  .suddenly  uj)  the  flight  commu- 
nicating with  the  spot  on  which  she  stood.  Without  waiting  to  satisfy  herself, 
she  rushed  with  all  the  mechanical  instinct  of  self-preservation  back  into  her 
own  apartment.  As  she  passed  the  bed-room  window,  she  glanced  once  more 
hastily  into  the  area  below,  and  there  beheld  a  sight  that,  filling  her  soul  with 
despair,  paralysed  all  further  exerti  mi.  A  tall  savage  was  bearing  oft'  the  ap- 
parently lifeless  form  of  her  cousin  through  the  combatants  in  the  square,  her 
white  dress  stained  all  over  with  blood,  and  her  beautiful  hair  loosened  and 
trailing  on  the  ground.  She  followed  with  her  burning  eyes  until  they  passed 
the  drawbrige,  and  finally  disappeared  behind  the  intervening  rampart,  and 
then  bowing  her  head  between  her  hands,  and  sinking  upon  her  knees,  she 
reposed  her  forehead  against  the  sill  of  the  window,  and  awaited  unshrinkingly, 
yet  in  a  state  of  inconceivable  agonj^,  the  consummation  of  her  own  unhappy 
destiny. 

The  sounds  of  ascending  feet  were  now  heard  in  the  passage  without ;  knd 
presently,  while  the  clangor  of  a  thousand  demons  seemed  to  ring  throughout 
the  upper  part  of  the  building,  a  man  rushed  furiously  into  the  room.  Th© 
blood  of  the  young  girl  curdled  in  her  veins.  She  mechanically  grasped  the 
ledge  of  the  window  on  which  her  aching  head  still  leposeJ,  and  with  her  eyes 
firmly  closed,  to  shut  out  froni  view  the  fiend  whose  sight  she  dreaded,  even 
more  than  the  death  which  threatened  her,  quietly  awaited  the  blow  that  was 
to  terminate  at  once  her  misery  and  her  life.  Scarcely,  however,  had  the  feet 
of  the  intruder  pressed  the  sanctuary  of  her  bedchamber,  when  the  heavy  door, 
strongly  studded  with  nads,  was  pushed  rapidly  to,  and  bolt  and  locK  were 
heard  sliding  into  their  several  sockets.  Before  Clara  could  raise  her  head  to 
discover  the  cause  of  this  movement,  she  felt  herself  firmly  secured  in  the 
grasp  of  an  encircling  arm,  and  bovno  hastil}'  through  the  room.  An  instinc- 
tive sense  of  something  worse  even  than  death  no^  flashed  across  the  mind  of 


i3« 


W  A  C  ©  tl  8  T  A  ;     OR,      T  Hi  B      P  »-0  P  H  E  C  Y , 


tibe  oixhiipjiy  girl ;  and  while  she  feared  to  miclose  her  eyes,  she  struggled  vio- 
It&tly  to  difieiigage  herself. 

*01ara !  dear  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,  do  you  not  know  mo  ?"  <.'xclainie<l  her  sup- 
■•Iter,  while  placing  her  for  a  moment  on  a  seat,  he  proceeded  to  secure  the 
iwtenings  of  the  second  door,  that  led  from  the  bedchamlier  into  the  larger 
afHtrtment. 

Jte-assured  by  the  tones  of  a  voice  which,  cren  in  that  dreadful  moment  of 
iiiaJ  and  destruction,  were  familiar  to  her  ear,  the  trembling  girl  opened  her 
Cfcs  wildly  upon  her  protector.  A  slight  scream  of  terror  marked  her  painful 
•ense  of  recognition.  It  was  Captain  Baynton  whom  she  beheld :  but  how  uu- 
fike  the  oflBcer  who  a  few  minutes  before  had  been  conversing  with  her  from 
tfae  ramparts.  His  fine  hair,  matted  with  blot)d,  now  hung  loosely  and  dis- 
fipuingly  over  his  eyes,  and  his  pallid  face  and  brow  were  covered  with  gore 
qpotfi,  the  evident  spatterings  from  the  wounds  of  others ;  while  a  stream  that 
laBDiedfrom  one  side  of  his  head  attested  he  himself  had  not  escaped  unhurt  in 
tte  cruel  melee.  A  skirt  and  a  lappel  had  been  torn  from  his  uniform,  which, 
tagetlier  with  other  portions  of  his  dress,  were  now  stained  in  various  parts 
igr  the  blood  continually  flowing  from  his  woimd. 

"Oh,  Captain  Baynton.".  murmured  the  fainting  girl,  her  whole  soul  sinking 
mtiiin  her,  as  she  gazed  shudderingly  on  his  person,  "  is  there  no  hope  for  us  ? 
must  we  die  ?" 

■"No,  by  heaven,  not  while  I  have  strength  to  save  you,"  returned  the  offi- 
«w,  with  energy,  "  If  the  savage  have  not  penetrated  to  the  rear,  we  may  yet 
«aBi|ie.  I  saw  the  postern  open  just  now,  on  my  passage  round  the  rampart, 
aad  the  boat  of  the  schooner  upon  the  strand.  Ha !"  he  exclaimed,  as  he  flew 
te  €he  window,  and  cast  his  eye  rapidly  below,  "  we  are  lost !  The  gate  is  still 
dear,  and  not  an  Indian  to  be  seen ;  but  the  coward  sailor  is  pulling  for  his 
life  towards  the  vessel.  But  hold !  another  boat  is  now  quitting  the  ship's 
ode.  See,  how  manfully  they  give  themselves  to  the  oars ;  in  a  few  minutes 
they  will  be  here.  Come,  Clam,  let  us  fly !"  and  again  he  caught  her  up  in 
hie  aims,  and  bore  her  across  the  room.  "  Hark,  hear  you  not  the  exulting 
ydilings  of  the  monsters  ?  They  are  forcing  the  outer  door :  mark  how  they 
fedAable  their  eflbrts  to  break  it  open  !  That  passed,  but  one  more  barrier 
ictDains  between  us  and  inevitable  and  instant  death." 

^^  And  my  «ousin,  my  uncle !"  shrieked  the  imhappy  girl,  as  the  officer  now 
bure  her  rapidly  down  the  back  staircase. 

**0h,  ask  me  not!"  exclaimed  Baynton  :  "  were  I  to  linger  again  on  all  I 
have  witnessed,  I  should  go  mad.    All,  all  have  perished !  but,  hark !" 

A  tremendous  yell  now  bursting  from  the  passage,  announced  at  once  the 
frmmph  of  the  savages  in  having  cflected  an  entrance  into  the  bed-room,  and 
dfcKMr  disappointment  at  finding  their  pursuit  baulked  by  a  second  door.  Pre- 
'  »tly  afterwards  their  heavy  weapons  were  to  be  heard  thundering  at  this 


»Bw  obstacle,  in  the  most  furious  manner.  This  gave  new  stimulus  to  the  ex- 
ertions of  the  generous  officer.  Each  winding  of  the  staircase  was  familiar  to 
hian,  and  he  now  descended  it  with  a  rapidity  which,  considering  the  burden 
lebmA  reposed  against  his  chest,  could  only  have  been-  inspired  by  his  despair. 
Tbe  flight  terminated  at  a  door  that  led  directly  upon  the  rampart,  without 
fjommunicating  with  any  of  the  passages  of  the  building ;  and  in  this  consist- 
ed the  principal  facility  of  escape:  for,  in  order  to  reach  them,  the  savages 
most  cither  make  the  circuit  of  the  block-house,  or  overtake  them  in  the 
oourse  they  were  now  following.  In  this  trying  emergency,  the  presence  of 
nkid  of  the  young  officer,  wounded  and  bleeding  as  he  was,  did  not  desert  him. 
Oh  quitting  the  larger  apartment  above,  he  hod  secured  the  outside  fastenings 
of  a  small  door  at  the  top  of  the  stairs,  and  having  now  gained  the  bottom, 
be  took  a  similar  precaution.  All  that  remained  was  to  unclose  the  bolts  of 
the  ponderous  door  that  opened  upon  their  final  chance  of  escape :  this  was 
BfMsedily  done,  but  here  the  feelings  of  the  ofilcer  were  put  to  a  severe  test.  A 
Tade  partition  divided  him  from  tlie  &tal  council-room  ;  and  while  he  undid 


wacousta: 


0  It  , 


THE     PROPHECY. 


133 


the  fastenings,  the  faint  and  dying  groans  of  Jiis  butchered  brother  officers 
rung  in  his  ears,  even  at  the  moment  that  he  felt  his  feet  dabbling  in  the 
blood  tliat  oozed  through  the  imperfectly  closed  planks  of  which  the  partition 
was  composed.  As  for  Clara,  she  was  insensible  to  all  that  was  passing. 
From  tho  moment  of  the  Indian  yell,  announcing  their  entry  mto  the  bed- 
room, she  had  fainted. 

The  l.tige  door  came  now  creaking  back  upon  its  hinges,  when  the  Ronnd.H 
of  the  yet  unfinished  conflict  in  front,  which  had  hitherto  been  deadened  in 
their  descent  through  the  remote  staircase,  rang  once  more  fiercely  and  start- 
lingly  upon  the  ear.  A  single  glance  satisfied  Captain  Baynton  the  moment 
for  exertion  was  come,  and  that  the  way  to  the  lake  shore,  which,  by  some 
strange  oversight,  both  the  Indians  and  the  men  had  overlooked,  was  perfect- 
ly clear.  He  clasped  his  unconscious  burden  closer  to  his  chest,  and  then, 
setting  his  life  upon  the  cast,  hastened  down  the  few  steps  that  led  to  tho 
rampart,  and  dashed  rapidly  through  the  postern;  in  the  next  minute  he 
stood  on  the  uttermost  verge  of  the  sands,  unharmed  and  unfollowed.  He 
cast  his  eyes  anxiously  along  the  surface  of  tho  lake  ;  but  such  was  the  ex- 
citement and  confusion  of  his  mind,  produced  by  the  horrid  recollection  of 
the  past  scene,  it  was  not  until  he  had  been  abruptly  hailed  from  it,  he  could 
see  a  boat,  at  the  distance  of  about  two  hundred  yards,  the  crew  of  which  were 
lying  on  their  oars.  It  was  the  long-boat  of  the  schooner,  which,  prevented 
from  a  nearer  approach  by  a  sand  bar  that  ran  along  the  lake  to  a  consider- 
ble  extent,  had  taken  her  station  there  to  receive  tho  fugitives.  Two  tall 
young  men  in  the  dress,  yet  having  little  the  mien,  of  common  sailors,  wore 
standing  up  in  her  stern ;  and  one  of  these,  with  evident  anxiety  in  his  manner, 
called  on  Baynton  by  name  to  make  the  best  of  his  way  to  the  boat.  At  that 
moment  a  loud  and  frantic  yell  came  from  the  block-house  the  latter  hadj'  st 
quitted.  In  the  wild  impulse  of  his  excited  feelings,  he  answered  with  a  cheer 
of  defiance,  as  he  turned  to  discover  the  precise  point  whence  it  proceeded.  Tho 
windows  of  the  apartment  so  recently  occupied  by  the  unhappy  cousins,  were 
darkened  with  savag-e  forms,  who  now  pealed  forth  their  mingled  fury  and 
disappointment  in  the  most  terrific  manner. 

"  Fly,  fly,  Baynton,  or  you  are  lost !"  exclaimed  the  same  voice  from  the 
boat ;  "the  devils  are  levelling  from  the  windows." 

while  he  yet  spake,  several  shots  came  whizzing  along  the  waters,  and  a 
spent  ball  even  struf^k  the  now  rapidly  fleeing  ollicer  in  the  back ;  but  the 
distance  was  too  great  for  serious  injury.  The  guns  of  the  savages  hiid  been 
cut  so  short  for  their  desperate  enterprise,  that  they  tarried  little  further  than 
a  horse  pistol. 

Again,  in  the  desperation  of  his  feelings,  and  heedless  of  the  danger  lie  was 
draw=  .J.'  on  himself  and  charge,  the  officer  turned  fiercely  round  and  shouted, 
at  hi  .•'nr.st,  lungs,  a  peal  of  triumph  in  the  cars  of  his  enemies.  Scarcely, 
how  .'  ;•  \*d  the  sounds  escaped  his  lips,  when  two  hideously  painted  Indians 
spran-;  (I,.  ju->  i  the  postern,  and,  silent  as  the  spectres  they  resembled,  rushed 
down  th»  ^1  .lis,  and  thence  into  the  lake.  liOud  shouts  from  the  windows 
above  wore  atv»in  pealed  forth,  and  from  the  consternation  visible  on  the  fea- 
tures of  those  within  the  boat,  the  nearly  exhausted  Baynton  learned  all  the 
risk  he  incurred.  Summoning  all  his  strength,  he  now  made  the  most  des- 
perate efforts  to  reach  his  friends.  The  lake  was  little  more  than  kneo  deep 
from  the  shore  to  the  bar,  but,  encumbered  as  he  was,  the  difficulty  opposed 
to  his  movements  was  immeasurably  against  him,  and  yet  he  seemed  gene- 
rously resolved  rather  to  perish  than  relinquish  his  charge.  Already  were 
his  pursuers,  now  closely  followed  by  a  numerous  band,  within  twenty  yards 
of  him,  when  the  two  young  men,  each  armed  with  a  cutlass  and  pistol,  sprang 
fix)m  the  boat  upon  the  sand  bar :  as  the  Indians  came  on  they  fired  delibe- 
rately at  them,  but  both  missed  their  aim.  £ncouraged  by  this  failure,  the 
I^1?J3S  devils  dashed  eagerly  on,  brandishing  their  gleaming  tomahawks,  but 


136 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


uttcrinp:  not  a  sonnd.  Already  was  the  unfortunate  Baynton  within  a  few  feet 
of  the  bar,  when  he  felt  that  the  savages  were  immediately  upon  him. 

"  Take,  take,  for  God's  sake,  take  her !"  he  crie'J  as  with  a  desperate  effort 
ho  threw  the  light  form  of  the  still  unconscious  girl  into  the  arms  of  one  of 
the  young  men.     "  My  strength  is  quite  exhausted,  and  I  can  do  no  more." 

For  the  first  time  a  yell  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  pursuing  savages,  as 
they  saw  him,  to  whom  the  guardianship  of  the  wretched  Clara  was  now  con- 
fided, suddenly  spring  from  the  sand  bar  into  the  lake,  and  in  a  few  rapid 
strokes  gain  the  side  of  the  boat.  Leaving  the  hapless  Baynton  to  be  dispos- 
ed of  by  his  companion,  the  foremost  darted  upon  the  bank,  burning  with 
disappointment,  and  resolved  to  immolate  another  victim.  For  a  moment  he 
balanced  his  tomahawk,  and  then  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  darted  it  at 
the  covered  head  of  the  youth  who  still  lingered  on  the  bar.  A  well-timed 
movement  of  the  latter  averted  the  blow,  and  the  whizzing  steel  passed  harm- 
lessly on.  A  guttural  "  ugh  !"  marked  the  disappointment  of  the  1  ndian,  now 
reduced  to  his  scalping-knife  ;  but  before  he  could  determine  whether  to  ad- 
vance or  to  retreat,  his  opponent  had  darted  upon  him,  and  with  a  single  blow 
from  his  cutlass,  cleft  hisskult  nearly  asunder.  The  next  instantaneous  pur- 
pose of  the  victor  was  to  advance  to  the  rescue  of  the  exhausted  Baynton ; 
but,  when  he  turned  to  look  for  him,  he  saw  the  mangled  form  of  what  had 
once  been  that  gallant  and  handsome  officer  floating,  without  life  or  motion,  on 
the  blood-stained  surface  of  the  Huron,  while  his  fiendish  murderer,  calmly 
awaiting  the  approach  of  his  companions,  held  up  the  reeking  scalp,  in  tri- 
umph, to  the  view  of  the  still  yelling  groups  within  the  block-house. 

"  Noble,  generous,  self-devoted  fellow !"  exclaimed  the  youth,  as  ho  flxod 
his  burning  tearless  eye  for  a  moment  on  the  unfortunate  victim  ;  "  even  you, 
then,  are  not  spared  to  tell  the  horrid  story  of  this  butchery  :  yet  is  Ihe  fato 
of  the  fallen  far,  far  more  enviable  than  that  of  those  who  have  sm-vived  this 
day."  lie  then  committed  his; cutlass  to  its  sheath:  and,  leaping  into  the 
deep  water  that  lay  beyond  the  bar,  was,  in  a  few  seconds,  once  more  in  the 
stem  of  the  boat. 

Meanwhile,  the  numerous  band,  who  followed  their  two  first  fierce  com- 
rades into  the  lake,  bounded  rapidly  forward :  and,  so  active  were  their  move- 
ments, that,  at  almost  the  same  moment  when  the  second  of  the  youths  had 
gained  his  temporary  place  of  refuge,  they  stood  yelling  and  screaming  on  the 
sand  bar  he  had  just  quitted.  Two  or  three,  excited  to  desperation  by  the 
blood  they  had  seen  spilt,  plunged  unhesitatingly  into  the  opposite  depths  of 
the  lake  ;  and  the  foremost  of  these  was  the  destroyer  of  the  ill-fated  Bayn- 
ton. With  his  bloody  scalping-knife  closely  clutched  between  his  teeth  and 
his  tomahawk  in  his  right  hand,  this  fierce  warrior  buffeted  the  waves  lustily 
with  one  arm,  and  noiselessly,  as  in  the  early  part  of  his  pursuit,  urged  his 
way  towards  the  boat.  In  the  stern  of  this  a  few  planks  from  the  schooner 
had  been  firmly  lasheil,  to  serve  as  a  shield  against  the  weapons  of  the  sava- 
ges, and  wa."j  so  arranged  as  to  conceal  all  within  while  retiring  from  tho 
shore.  A  small  aperture  had,  however,  been  bored  for  the  purpose  of  ob- 
serving the  movements  of  the  enemy  without  risk.  Through  this  an  eye  was 
now  directed,  while  only  the  blades  of  the  oars  were  to  be  seen  projecting 
from  the  boat's  sides  as  they  reposed  in  their  rowlocks.  Encouraged  by  tho 
seeming  apathj-^  and  inertness  of  the  crew,  the  swimming  savages  paused  not 
to  consider  of  consequences,  but  continued  their  daring  course  as  if  they 
apprehended  neither  risk  nor  resistance.  Presently  a  desperate  splash  was 
heard  near  the  stern  of  the  boat,  and  the  sinuous' form  of  the  first  savage 
was  raised  above  the  gimwale,  his  grim  face  looking  devilish  in  its  smeared 
war-paint,  and  his  fierce  eyes  gleaming  and  rolling  like  fire-balls  in  their  sock- 
ets. Scarcely  was  he  seen,  however,  when  he  had  again  disappeared.  A  blow 
from  the  cutlass  that  had  destroyed  his  companion  descended  like  lightning 
on  his  naked  and  hairless  head ;  and,  in  the  agony  of  death,  he  might  be  seen 
grinding  his  teeth  against  the  knife  which  the  instinctive  ferocity  of  his  nature 


W  A  C  0  U  8  T  A 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY. 


137 


forbade  his  relinquishing.  A  yell  of  fury  burst  from  the  savages  on  the  bar, 
and  presently  a  shower  of  bullets  flew  whistling  through  the  air.  Several 
were  heard  striking  the  rude  rampart  in  the  stern  ;  but,  although  the  boat 
was  scarcely  out  of  pistol-shot,  the  thickness  of  the  wood  prevented  injury 
to  those  within.  Another  fierce  yell  followed  this  volley  ;  and  then  nearly  a 
score  of  warriors,  giving  their  guns  in  charge  to  their  companions,  plunged 
furiously  into  the  water ;  and,  with  an  air  of  the  most  infuriated  determina- 
tion, leaped  rather  than  swam  along  its  surface. 

'•  Now  then,  my  lads,  give  way,"  said  he  at  the  lookout ;  "there  are  more 
than  a  dozen  of  the  devils  in  full  cry ;  and  our  only  chance  is  in  flight !  Ila  I 
another  here !"  as,  turning  to  issue  these  directions,  he  chanced  to  sec  the  dark 
hand  of  a  savage  at  that  moment  grasping  the  gunwale  of  the  boat  as  if  with 
a  view  to  retard  her  movements  until  the  arrival  of  his  companions. 

A  heavy  blow  from  his  cutlass  accompanied  these  words.  The  fingers,  di- 
vided at  their  very  roots,  rolled  to  the  bottom  of  the  boat,  and  the  carcass  of 
the  savage  drooped,  with  a  yell  of  anguish,  far  in  the  rear.  The  heavy  oar- 
blades  of  the  seamen  now  made  play,  dashing  the  lake  away  in  sheets  of  foam ', 
and,  in  less  than  five  minutes,  the  heads  of  the  swimming  savages  were  seen 
like  so  many  rats  upon  the  water,  as  they  returned  once  more  in  disappoint- 
ment from  their  fruitless  pursuit. 


CHAPTER  XXI. 

The  sun  had  gone  down,  as  he  had  risen,  in  all  the  gloriousness  of  his  au- 
tumnal splendor,  and  twilight  was  now  fast  descending  on  the  waters  of  the 
Huron.  A  slight  breeze  was  just  beginning  to  make  itself  felt  from  the  land, 
the  gradual  rising  of  which  was  hailed  by  many  an  anxious  heart,  as  th& 
schooner,  which  had  been  making  vain  attempts  to  quit  her  anchorage  during^ 
the  day,  now  urged  her  light  bows  through  the  slightly  curling  clement.  A 
death-like  silence,  interrupted  only  by  the  low,  gruff  voice  of  a  veteran  sea- 
man, as  he  issued,  in  technical  language,  the  necessary  orders  for  the  manage- 
ment of  the  vessel,  prevailed  every  where  along  her  decks.  The  dress  and 
general  appearance  of  this  individual  announced  him  for  a  petty  officer  of  the 
royal  service  ;  and  it  was  evident,  from  the  tone  of  authority  with  which  ho 
spoke,  he  was  now  in  the  enjoyment  of  a  temporary  command.  The  crew, 
consisting  of  about  thirty  souls,  and  chiefly  veterans  of  the  same  class,  were 
assembled  along  the  gangways,  each  man  wearing  a  brace  of  pistols  in  tho 
belt,  which,  moreover,  secured  a  naked  cutlass  around  his  loins ;  and  these 
now  lingered  near  the  several  guns  that  were  thrown  out  from  their  gloomy 
looking  ports,  as  if  ready  for  some  active  service.  But,  although  the  arming 
of  these  men  indicated  hostile  preparation,  there  was  none  of  that  buoyancy 
of  movement  and  animation  of  feature  to  be  observed,  which  so  usually  char- 
acterise the  indomitable  daring  of  the  British  sailor.  Some  stood  leaning 
their  heads  pensively  on  their  hands  against  the  rigging  and  hammocks  that 
were  stowed  away  along  the  bulwarks,  after  tho  fashion  of  war  ships  in  board- 
ing ;  others,  with  arms  tightly  folded  across  their  chests,  gazed  earnestly  and 
despondingly  on  the  burning  fort  in  the  distance,  amid  the  rolling  volumes  of 
emoke  and  flame  from  which,  ever  and  anon,  arose  the  fiendish  yell  of  those 
who,  having  already  sacked,  were  now  reducing  it  to  ashes.  Nor  was  this 
the  only  object  of  their  attention.  On  the  sand  Ijank  allitded  to  in  our  last 
chapter  were  to  bo  dimly  seen  through  the  growing  dusk,  the  dark  outlines 
of  many  of  the  savages,  who,  frantic  with  rage  at  their  inability  to  devote 
them  to  tho  .same  doom,  wore  still  imwilling  to  quit  a  spot  which  approached 
them  nearest  to  the  last  surviving  olijccts  of  their  enmity.  Around  this  point 
were  collected  numerous  caiiocs,  filled   also  with  w.irrior.-i ;  and,  at  the  mo- 


138 


WACOUSTA 


OR 


T  H  K      I>  R  ()  I'  It  E  C  Y . 


ment  when  the  vessel  olwvinK  the  iinpulso  fjivcii  l)y  her  Howinp;  sails,  phdcd 
from  the  anchorapc.  these  Ibllowed,  soiiddinp;  in  her  \vai<e,  and  made  a  show 
of  attaciltiuR  her  in  the  stern.  The  sudden  yawinp;  of  the  srhooner,  however, 
in  brinfifinp;  her  tier  of  bristling  ports  into  view,  had  cheolied  the  ardor  of  the 
pursuing  fieet ;  and  the  discharp;e  of  a  single  gun,  destroying;  in  its  courso 
three  of  their  canoes,  and  carrying  death  among  those  wlio  directed  them, 
had  driven  them  back,  in  the  greatest  hnrry  and  confusion,  to  their  yelling 
and  disapjminted  comrades. 

The  after-deck  of  the  schooner  presented  a  different,  though  not  less  sombro 
and  discouraging  s(^eno.  On  a  pile  of  mattrasses  lay  the  light  and  almost  in- 
animate form  of  Clara  de  Ilaldimar ;  her  fair  and  redundant  hair  overshadow- 
ing her  pallid  brow  and  cheek,  and  the  dress  she  had  worn  at  the  moment  of 
her  escape  from  the  fort  still  spotted  with  the  blood  of  her  generous  but  un- 
fortxmate  preserver.  01o.se  at  her  side,  with  lier  hands  clasped  in  his,  while 
he  watched  the  expression  of  deep  suHcring  reflected  from  each  set  feature, 
and  yet  with  the  air  of  one  pre-occupiod  with  some  other  subject  of  painful 
interest,  sat,  on  an  empty  shot  box,  the  young  man  in  sailor's  attire,  whose 
cutla.s8  had  performed  the  double  service  of  destroying  his  own  immediate 
opponent,  and  avenging  the  death  of  the  devoted  Baynton.  At  the  head  of 
the  rude  couch,  and  leaning  against  a  portion  of  the  schooner's  stern-work, 
stood  his  companion,  who  from  delicacy  appeared  to  have  turned  away  hia 
eyes  from  the  group  below,  merely  to  cast  them  vacantly  on  the  darl*  waters 
through  which  the  vessel  was  now  beginning  to  urge  her  course. 

Such  was  the  immediate  position  of  this  little  party,  when  the  gun  fired  at 
the  Indians  wa.s  lieanl  booming  heavily  along  the  lake.  The  loud  report,  in 
exciting  new  sources  of  alarm,  seemed  to  have  <iissipated  the  spell  that  had 
hitherto  chained  the  energies  and  perception  of  the  still  weak,  but  now  highly 
excited  girl. 

"  Oh,  Oaptain  Baynton,  where  are  we  7"  she  exclaimed,  starting  up  sud- 
denly in  terror,  and  throwing  her  arms  around  him  who  sat  at  hor  side,  as  if 
she  would  have  clung  to  him  for  protection.  "  Is  the  horrid  ma.ssacre  not 
finished  yet?  Where  is  Madeline?  whore  is  my  cousin?  Oh,  I  cannot 
leave  the  fort  without  her." 

"  Ha  1  where  indeed  is  she  ?"  exclaimed  the  youth,  as  he  clasped  hia  trem- 
bling and  .scarcely  consciious  burden  to  his  chest,  "  Almighty  God,  where  is 
she  ?"  Then,  after  a  short  pause,  and  in  a  voice  of  tender  but  exquisite  anguish, 
"  Clara,  my  beloved  si.ster,  do  you  not  know  mo  ?  It  is  not  Baynton  but 
your  brother,  who  now  clasps  you  to  his  breaking  heart." 

A  deluge  of  tears  was  the  only  answer  of  the  wretched  girl.  They  wore 
the  first  she  had  shed, — the  first  marks  of  consciousness  she  had  exhibited. 
Hitherto  her  heart  hiui  been  oppressed ;  every  fibre  of  her  brain  racked  sA- 
most  to  bursting,  and  filled  only  with  ghastly  flitting  visions  of  the  dreadful 
horrors  she  had  seen  ijerjwtrated,  she  had  continued,  since  the  moment  of  her 
fainting  in  the  block-house,  as  one  bereft  of  all  memory  of  the  past,  or  appr^- 
hension  of  the  present.  But  now,  the  full  out-pouring  of  her  grief  relieved 
her  overcharged  brain  and  heart,  even  while  the  confused  images  floating  bo- 
fore  her  recollection  acquired  a  more  tangible  and  painful  character.  She 
raised  herself  a  moment  from  the  breast  on  which  her  burning  head  reposed, 
looked  steadfastly  in  the  face  that  hung  anxiously  over  her  own,  and  saw  in- 
deed that  it  was  her  brother.  She  tried  to  speak,  but  she  could  not  utter  a 
word,  for  the  memory  of  all  that  had  occurred  that  fatal  morning  rushed  with 
mountain  weight  upon  her  fainting  spirit,  and  again  she  wept,  and  more  bit- 
terly than  before. 

The  young  man  pressed  her  in  silence  to  his  bo.som ;  nor  was  it  until  she 
had  given  full  vent  to  her  grief,  that  he  ventured  to  addre.ss  her  on  the  sub- 
ject of  his  own  immediate  sorrows.  At  length,  when  she  appeared  somewhat 
calm,  he  observed,  in  a  voice  broken  by  emotion, — 

"  Olara,  dearest,  what  account  have  you  to  give  me  of  Madeline  1    Has  she 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophkcy, 


139 


shared  the  fate  of  .".'1?  or  have  yon  reason  to  suppose  her  life  has  been 
spared?" 

Another  burst  of  tears  succeeded  to  these  questions,  for  coupled  with  tho 
name  of  her  cousin  arose  all  the  hoirid  associations  conncctwl  with  her  loss. 
As  soon,  however,  as  she  could  compost;  herself,  she  brioliy  stated  all  she  had 
witnessed  of  the  attair,  from  tlie  moment  when  the  boat  of  tho  schooner  was 
seen  to  meet  the  stranpe  looking  object  on  tho  water,  to  that  when  she  had 
beheld  her  ill-fated  cousin  borne  away  apparently  lifeless  in  the  anns  of  the 
tall  fndian  by  whom  she  had  been  captured. 

During  tliis  recital,  the  heart  of  (.aptaindo  Ilaldimar, — for  it  was  he, — beat 
audibly  acainst  the  cheek  that  still  reposed  on  his  breast ;  but  when  his  sister 
had,  in  a  faint  voice,  cloyed  her  melancholy  narrative  with  the  manner  of  hot 
cousin's  disappearance,  ho  gave  a  sudden  start,  uttering  at  tho  san»o  time  an 
exclauuition  of  joy. 

"  Thank  God,  she  still  lives  !"  ho  cried,  pi-essing  his  sister  once  more  in  fond- 
ness to  his  heart ;  then  turning  to  his  companion,  who,  although  seemingly 
abstracted,  had  been  a  silent  and  attentive  witness  of  the  scene, — "  By 
heaven  I  Vallctort,  there  is  yet  a  hope.  She  it  was  indeed  whom  wc  saw  borne 
out  of  the  fort,  and  subsequently  made  to  walk  by  the  cruel  Indian  who  had 
charge  of  her." 

"  Valletort,  Valletort,"  murmured  Olara  unconsciously,  her  sick  heart 
throbbing  with  she  knew  not  what.  "  How  is  this,  Frederick  ? — Whore, 
then,  is  Captain  Baynton  ?  and  how  came  you  here  ?" 

"  Alas !  Clara,  poor.  Baynton  is  no  more.  Pjven  at  tlie  moment  when  ho 
confided  tho  imconscious  burden,  preserved  at  the  peril  of  his  own  life,  to  the 
arms  of  Sir  Everard  here,  ho  fell  beneath  tho  tomahawk  of  a  pursuing  savage. 
Poor,  noble,  generous  Baynton,"  he  continued,  mournfully ;  "  to  him,  indeed, 
Clara,  are  you  indebted  for  your  life ;  yet  was  it  purchased  at  the  price  of  his 
own." 

Again  the  pained  and  affectionate  girl  wept  bitterly,  and  her  brother  pro- 
ceeded : — 

"  The  strange  object  you  saw  on  tho  lake,  my  love,  was  nothing  more  than 
a  canoe  disguised  with  leafy  boughs,  in  which  Sir  Everard  Valletort  and  my- 
self, under  tho  guidance  of  old  Francois  of  the  Fleur  dc  Lis,  whom  you  must 
recollect,  have  made  the  dangerous  passage  of  the  Sinclair  in  the  garb  of  duck 
hunters, — which  latter  we  had  only  discarded  on  reaching  the  schooner,  in 
order  to  assume  another  wo  conceived  better  suited  to  our  purpose.  Alas !" 
and  he  struck  his  liand  violently  against  his  brow, "  had  wo  made  directly  for 
tho  shore  without  touching  the  vessel  at  all,  there  might  have  been  time  to 
save  those  wc  came  to  apprise  of  their  danger.  Do  you  not  think  there  was, 
Valletort?" 

"  Most  assuredly  not,"  returned  his  companion,  anxious  to  remove  tho  im- 
pression of  self-blame  that  existed  in  the  mind  of  Captain  de  Haldimar. 
"  From  the  moment  of  our  reaching  the  schooner,  which  lay  immediately  in 
our  route,  to  that  when  tho  shout  was  raised  by  tho  savages  as  they  rushed 
into  the  fort,  there  was  scarcely  an  interval  of  three  minutes ;  and  it  would 
have  required  a  longer  period  to  have  enabled  us  to  gain  the  shore." 

"  Thank,  thank  you  for  that !"  exclaimed  the  officer,  drawing  himself  up 
with  tho  air  of  one  who  breathes  more  freely.  "  I  would  not,  for  the  wealth 
and  honors  of  the  united  world,  that  such  a  cause  for  self-reproach  should 
linger  on  my  mind.  By  heaven  !  it  would  break  my  heart  to  think  we  had 
been  in  time  to  save  them,  and  yet  had  lost  the  opportunity  through  even  one 
moment  of  neglect."  Then  turning  once  more  to  his  sister, — "  Now,  Clara, 
that  I  see  you  in  safety,  I  have  another  sacred  duty  to  perform.  I  must  leaTe 
you,  but  not  alone." 

"  What  mean  you,  Frederick  ?"  exclaimed  his  agitated  sister,  clinging  more 
closely  to  his  embrace.  "  Scarce  have  we  met,  and  you  talk  of  leaving  me. 
Oh,  whither  would  you  go  ?" 


140 


WAcoueTA;  or,  the  prophkcy. 


"  Surely,  my  love,"  and  he  spoke  half  reproachfully,  although  with  tender- 
ness of  accent,  "  my  meaning  must  be  obvious.  But  what  do  I  .say  1  You 
know  it  not.  Madeline  still  lives.  We  saw  her,  as  we  pulled  towards  the 
shore,  led  across  the  clearing  in  the  direction  of  Chabouiga.  Hear  me,  then : 
the  canoe  in  which  we  came  is  still  towing  from  the  vessel's  stern,  and  in 
this  do  I  mean  to  embark,  without  further  loss  of  time,  in  search  of  her 
who  is  dearer  to  me  than  existence.  I  know,"  he  pursued  with  emotion, 
"I  have  but  little  hope  of  rescuing,  even  if  I  do  succeed  in  findiii};;  her:  but 
'  at  least  I  shall  not  have  to  sutt'cr  under  the  self-reproach  of  havinji;  neglected 
the  only  chance  that  now  lies  within  my  reach.     If  she  be  doomed  to  die,  I 

shall  then  have  nothing  left  to  live  for except  you,  Clara,"  he  continued, 

after  a  pause,  pressing  the  weeping  girl  to  his  heart,  as  he  remarked  how 
much  she  seemed  pained  by  the  declaration. 

Having  placed  his  sister  once  more  on  the  couch,  and  covered  her  with 
a  cloak  that  had  been  brought  from  the  cabin  of  the  unfortunate  commander. 
Captain  de  Haldimar  now  rose  from  his  humble  seat,  and  grasping  the  liana 
of  his  friend, — 

"  Valletort,"  he  said,  "I  commit  this  dear  girl  to  yoiu"  keeping.  ,  Hitherto 
wo  have  been  equal  sharers  in  an  enterprise  having  for  its  object  the  pre- 
servation of  our  mutual  companions  and  friends.  At  present,  interests  ol  a 
more  personal  nature  occupy  my  attention ;  and  to  these  nuist  I  devote 
myself  alone.  I  trust  you  will  reach  Detroit  in  safety  ;  and  when  you  have 
delivered  my  unfortunate  sister  into  the  arms  of  her  father,  you  will  say  to 
him  from  me,  I  could  not  sur\'ive  the  loss  of  that  being  to  whom  I  had 
Bwom  eternal  fidelity  and  affection.  Franyois  must  be  my  only  companion 
on  this  occasion.  Nay,"  he  continued,  pointing  to  his  sister,  in  answer  to  the 
rising  remonstrance  of  the  baronet,  "  will  you  desert  the  precious  charge  I 
have  confided  to  your  keeping  ?  Recollect,  Valletort,"  in  a  more  subdued 
tone,  "  that  besides  yourself,  there  will  bo  none  near  her  but  rude  and  unedu- 
cated sailors  ; — honest  men  enough  in  their  way,  it  is  true ;  but  not  the  sort 
of  people  to  whom  I  should  like  to  confide  my  poor  sister." 

The  warm  and  silent  pressure  by  Sir  Everard  of  his  hand  announced  his 
participation  in  the  sentiment ;  and  Captain  de  Haldimar  now  hastened  for- 
ward to  apprise  the  Canadian  of  his  purpose.  He  found  mine  host  of  the 
Fleur  de  Lis  seated  in  the  forecastle  of  the  schooner ;  and  with  an  air  of  the 
most  perfect  unconcern  discussing  a  substantial  meal,  consisting  of  dried  un- 
cooked venison,  raw  onions,  and  Indian  corn  bread,  the  contents  of  a  large 
bag  or  wallet  that  lay  at  his  feet.  No  sooner,  however,  had  the  impatient 
officer  communicated  his  design,  asking  at  the  same  time  if  he  might  expect 
his  assistance  in  the  enterprise,  than  the  unfinished  meal  of  the  Canadian  was 
discontinued,  the  wallet  refilled,  and  the  large  greasy  clasp-knife  with  which 
the  portions  had  been  separated,  closed  and  thrust  into  a  pocket  of  his  blanket 
coat! 

"  I  shall  go  to  de  devils  for  you,  capitaine,  if  we  must,"  he  said,  as  he  raised 
his  portly  form,  not  without  effort,  from  the  deck,  slapping  the  shoulder  of  the 
officer  at  the  same  time  somewhat  rudely  with  his  hand.  There  was  nothing, 
however,  offensively  familiar  in  this  action.  It  expressed  merely  the  devoted- 
ness  of  heart  with  which  the  man  lent  himself  to  the  service  to  which  he  had 
pledged  himself,  and  was  rather  complimentary  than  otherwise  to  liim  to 
whom  it  was  directed.  Captain  de  Haldimar  took  it  in  the  light  in  which  we 
have  just  shown  it,  and  he  grasped  and  shook  the  rough  hand  of  the  Canadian 
with  an  earnestness  highly  gratifying  to  the  latter. 

Every  thing  was  now  in  readiness  for  their  departure.  The  canoe,  still 
covered  with  its  streaming  boughs,  was  drawn  close  up  to  the  gangway,  and 
a  few  hasty  necessaries  thrown  in.  While  this  was  passing,  the  officer,  had 
again  assumed  his  disguise  of  a  duck-hunter ;  and  he  now  appeared  in  the 
blanket  costume  in  which  we  introduced  Sir  Everard  and  himself  in  the  elev- 
enth chapter. 


wacovsta;    or,   the   prophecy. 


141 


"  If  I  may  bo  so  hold  as  to  put  in  mv  oar,  your  honor," — said  tho  veteran 
boatswain,  on  whom  the  command  of  the  schooner  had  fallen,  as  ho  now  ad- 
vanced, rolling  his  quid  in  his  mouth,  and  dropping  his  hat  on  his  shoulder, 
while  the  fingers  of  the  hand  which  clutched  it  were  busily  occupied  in 
scratching  his  bald  head, — "  if  I  may  bo  so  bold,  there  is  another  chap  here 
as  mij^ht  better  serve  your  lionor's  purpose  than  that  'ere  fat  Canadian,  who 
seems  to  think  only  of  stuffing  while  his  betters  are  fasting." 

"  And  who  is  ho,  my  ^ootl  Mullins  ?"  asked  Captain  do  Haldimar. 

"Why,  that  'ere  hicfian,  your  honor,  as  began  the  butchery  in  tho  fort, 
yonder,  by  trying  to  kill  Jack  IjuUor  while  ho  laid  asleep  this  morning,  wait- 
mg  for  tho  captain  in  the  jolly  boat.  Jack  never  seed  him  coming,  until  ho 
felt  his  black  hands  upon  his  throat,  and  then  he  ups  with  the  tiller  at  hi.s 
noddle,  and  sends  him  floundering  across  tlio  boat's  thwarts  like  a  flat-fish.  I 
thought,  your  honor,  seeing  as  how  I  have  got  tho  command  of  tho  schooner, 
of  tying  him  up  to  the  mainmast,  and  giving  him  two  or  three  round  dozen 
or  so,  and  then  sending  him  to  swim  among  tlie  mascannungy  with  a  twenty- 
four  pound  shot  in  his  neckcloth ;  but,  seeing  as  how  your  honor  is  going 
among  them  savages  agin,  I  thought  as  how  some  good  might  be  done  with 
him,  if  your  honor  could  contrive  to  keep  him  in  tow,  and  close  under  your 
lee  (juarter,  to  prevent  his  escape." 

"  At  all  events,"  returned  the  officer,  after  a  pause  of  some  moments,  dur- 
ing which  he  appeared  to  bo  deliberating  on  his  course  of  action,  "  it  may  be 
dangerous  to  keep  him  in  the  vessel ;  and  yet,  if  we  take  him  ashore  ho  may 
be  the  means  of  our  more  immediate  destruction ;  unless,  indeed,  as  you  observe, 
he  can  be  so  secured  as  to  prevent  the  possibility  of  escape  ;  but  that  I  very 
much  doubt  indeed.  Where  is  he,  Mullins  ?  I  should  like  to  see  and  ques- 
tion him." 

"  He  ffhall  be  up,  your  honor,  in  no  time,"  replied  the  sailor,  once  more  re- 
suming his  hat,  and  moving  a  pace  or  two  forward.  Then  addressing  two  or 
three  men  in  the  starboard  : — "  Bear  a  hand  there,  my  men,  and  cast  off  the 
lashings  of  that  black  Tngian,  and  send  him  aft  here,  to  the  officer." 

The  order  was  speedily  executed.  In  a  few  minutes  tho  Indi^i  stood  on 
the  quarter-deck,  his  hanaa  firmly  secured  behind,  and  his  head  sunk  upon 
his  chest  in  sullen  despondency.  In  the  increa.sing  gloom  in  which  objects 
were  now  gradually  becoming  more  and  more  indistinct,  it  was  impossible  for 
Captain  de  Haldimar  to  distinguish  his  features ;  but  there  was  something  in 
the  outline  of  the  Indian's  form  that  impressed  him  with  the  conviction  ho 
had  seen  it  before.  Advancing  a  pace  or  or  two  forward,  he  pronounced,  in  an 
emphatic  and  audible  whisper,  the  name  of  "  Oucanasta !" 

The  Indian  gave  an  involuntary  start, — uttered  a  deep  interjectional  "  Ugh !" 
— and,  raising  his  head  from  his  chest,  fixed  his  eye  steadily  on  the  officer. 

"  Ilookynaster  ! — Hookynaster  !"  growled  Jack  Fuller,  who  had  followed 
to  hear  the  examination  of  his  immediate  captive :  "  why,  your  honor,  that 
jaw-breaking  name  reminds  me  as  how  the  chap  had  a  bit  of  a  paper  when  I 
chucked  him  into  the  jolly-boat,  stuck  in  his  girdle.  It  was  covered  over 
with  pencil-marks,  as  writing  like ;  but  all  was  rubbed  out  agin,  except  some 
such  sort  of  a  name  as  thjit." 

"  Wiicre  is  it? — what  have  you  done  with  if?"  hastily  asked  Captain  de 
Haldimar. 

"  Here,  in  my  backy-box,  your  honor.  T  kept  it  safe,  thinking  as  how  it 
might  sarvc  to  let  us  know  all  about  it  afterwards." 

Tiie  sailor  now  drew  from  the  receptacle  just  named  a  dirty  piece  of  folded 
paper,  deeply  impregnated  with  tho  perfume  of  stale  and  oft  re-chewed  quids 
of  coarse  tobacco  ;  and  then,  with  the  air  of  one  conscious  of  having  "  ren- 
dered the  state  soine  service,"  liitehcd  up  !iis  trowsers  with  one  hand,  while 
with  the  other  he  extenrled  the  important  document. 

To  glance  his  eye  burricdl}-  over  the  p^per  by  the  light  of  a  dark  lanthorn 
that  had  meanwlnk-  1i!','n  l'V()up.I)t  upon  deck,  xmclasp  his  hunting-knife,  and 


142 


wacovsta;  or,  thk  prophecy. 


diviflo  the  Iii,'ature«  of  ttio  captive,  an^l  then  warmly  pi-cHs  his  liberated  hands 
witli  hiH  own,  were,  with  Oaptain  de  Hiildiinar,  but  the  work  of  u  minute. 

"  llilloa  !  whicli  the  devil  way  does  the  wind  blow  now  ?"  muttered  Fuller, 
the  leer  of  seif-satisfiiction  that  had  hitherto  played  in  IiIh  eye  rapidly  {giving 
place  to  an  air  of  seriousness  and  surprise  ;  an  expression  that  wa.s  not  at  all 
diminished  by  an  observation  from  his  new  commander. 

"  I  tell  you  what  it  i.s,  Jack,"  said  the  latter  impressively ;  "  I  don't  pretena 
to  have  more  p^umplion  (qn.  discernment?)  than  my  messmates;  but  I  can 
sec  throufiih  a  mdlstone  as  clear  as  any  man  as  ever  heaved  a  lead  in  the.so 
here  lakes ;  ami  may  I  never  pipe  boatswain'r,  whistle  again,  if  you  arn't, 
some  how  or  other,  iii  the  wronp;  box.     That  'ero  Indian's  one  of  us !" 

The  feelin^js  of  Cnptain  de  Haldimar  may  easily  be  comprehended  by  our 
readers,  when,  on  ^lancinj^  at  the  paper,  he  found  himself  confirmed  in  the 
impression  jHwiously  made  on  him  by  the  outline  of  the  captive's  form.  The 
\vritin|j;,  nearly  obliterated  by  damp,  had  b(!cn  rudely  traced  by  liis  own  pen- 
cil, on  a  leaf  torn  from  his  pocket-book  on  the  night  of  his  visit  to  the  Indian 
encamjiinent,  and  at  the  moment  when  seated  on  the  fatal  log,  Oucanasta  had 
])romised  her  assistance  in  at  least  rescuing  his  betrothed  bride,  Thoy  were 
suldrcssed  to  Major  de  Haldimar,  and  briefly  stated  that  a  trea<'herous  plan 
was  in  contemplati(m  by  the  enemy  to  surprise  the  fort,  which  the  bearer, 
Oucanasta  (the  latter  word  strongly  marked),  would  fully  explain,  if  she 
could  possibly  obtain  access  within.  From  the  narrative  entered  into  by 
Clara,  who  had  particularly  dwelt  on  the  emotions  of  fear  that  had  sprung 
up  in  her  own  and  cousin's  heart  by  the  sudden  transformation  of  a  supposed 
harmless  beaver  into  a  Herce  and  threatening  savage,  ho  had  no  difficulty 
in  solving  the  enigma. 

The  Indiini,  in  whom  he  had  recognised  the  young  chief  who  had  saved  him 
from  the  fury  of  Wacousta,  had  evidently  been  won  upon  by  his  sister  to 
ixsrforni  a  service  which  offered  ho  much  less  difficulty  to  a  warrior  than  to  a 
woman  ;  and  it  was  clear,  that,  finding  all  other  means  of  communication 
with  the  fort,  undiscovered  by  his  own  people,  impracticable,  he  had  availed 
himself  of  the  opjwrtimity,  when  he  .saw  the  boat  on  the  strand,  to  assume  a 
disguise  so  well  adapted  to  insure  success.  It  was  no  remarkable  thing  to 
see  both  the  beaver  and  the  otter  moving  on  the  calm  surface  of  the  waters 
in  the  vicinity  of  the  forts,  even  at  mid-day  ;  and,  occupied  as  the  Indians 
were,  to  a  man,  at  that  moment  with  their  cruel  projects,  it  was  by  no  means 
likely  that  their  attention  should  have  been  called  ofi"  from  these  to  so  ap- 
parently unimportant  a  circumstance.  The  act  that  had  principally  alarmed 
the  cousins,  and  terminated,  as  we  have  seen,  in  the  sudden  attack  of  the 
sailor,  had  eyidently  been  misconceived.  The  nand  supposed  to  be  feeling  for 
the  heart  of  the  sluggard,  had,  in  all  probability,  been  placed  on  his  chest  with 
a  view  to  arouse  him  from  his  slumber ;  while  that  which  was  believed  to 
have  been  dropped  to  the  handle  of  the  knife,  was,  in  reality,  merely  seeking 
the  paper  that  contained  the  announcement,  which,  if  then  delivered,  might 
have  saved  the  garrison. 

Such  was  the  train  of  conjecture  that  now  passed  through  the  mind  of  the 
oflicer ;  but,  although  he  thus  placed  the  conduct  of  the  Indian  in  the  most 
favorable  light,  his  impression  received  no  confirmation  from  the  lips  of  the 
latter.  Sullen  and  doggedlj^  notwithstanding  the  release  from  his  bonds,  the 
Ottawa  hung  his  head  upon  his  chest,  with  his  eyes  riveted  on  the  deck,  and 
obstinately  refused  to  answer  every  question  put  to  him  by  his  deliverer.  This, 
however,  did  not  the  less  tend  to  confirm  Captain  de  Haldimar  in  his  belief. 
Ho  knew  enough  of  the  Indian  character  to  understand  the  indignant  and 
even  revengeful  spirit  likely  to  be  aroused  by  the  treatment  the  savage  had 
met -with  in  return  for  his  intended  services.  He  was  aware  that,  without 
pausing  to  reflect  on  the  fact  that  the  sailor,  ignorant  of  his  actual  purpose, 
could  merely  have  seen  in  him  an  enemy  in  the  act  of  attempting  his  life,  tin 
chief  would  only  consider  and  inflame  himself  over  the  recollection  of  the 


wacouuta;  ou,  thk  pkophecy, 


143 


blow  inflicted ;  and  that,  with  the  true  obstinacy  of  liis  race,  he  would  rather 
tiufl'er  captivity  or  death  ituelf,  than  humble  the  haughty  pride  of  his  nature, 
by  condescending  to  an  explanation  with  those  by  whom  he  felt  himself  so 
deeply  injured.  Still,  even  amid  all  his  own  personal  griofs, — griefs  that  ren- 
dered the  boou  in  some  degree  at  present  valueless, — Captain  de  Ilaldiraar 
could  not  forget  that  the  youth,  no  matter  by  what  motive  induced,  had  res- 
cued him  from  a  dreadful  death  an  a  previous  occasion.  With  the  generous 
warmth,  therefore,  of  a  gi-ateful  mind,  he  now  sought  to  nnpress  on  the  In- 
dian the  deep  sen.se  of  obligation  under  which  ho  labored  ;  explaining  at  the 
same  time  the  very  natural  error  into  which  the  sailor  had  fallen,  and  con- 
cluding with  a  declaration  that  he  was  free  to  quit  the  ve.ssel  in  the  canoe  in 
which  lie  himself  was  about  to  take  his  departure  for  the  shore,  in  search  of 
her  whom  his  sister  had  ])lcdged  herself,  at  all  hazards,  to  save. 

The  address  of  the  officer,  touching  and  impressive  as  language  ever  is  that 
comes  from  the  heart,  was  not  altogether  without  effect  on  the  Indian.  Several 
times  he  interrupted  him  with  a  short,  quick,  approving  ''  Ugh  !"  and  when  he 
at  length  received  the  assurance  that  he  was  no  longer  a  prisoner,  he  raised 
his  eyes  rapidly,  although  without  moving  his  head,  to  the  countenance  of  his 
deliverer.  Already  were  his  lips  opening  to  speak  for  the  Hrst  time,  when  the 
attention  of  the  group  around  him  was  arrested  by  his  giving  a  sudden  start 
of  surprise.  At  the  same  moment  he  raiseil  his  head,  stretched  his  neck, 
threw  forward  his  right  ear,  and,  uttering  a  loud  and  emphatic  "Waugh!" 
pointed  with  his  iinger  over  the  bows  of  the  vessel. 

All  listened  for  upwards  of  a  minute  in  mute  suspense ;  and  then  a  faint  and 
scarcely  distinguishable  sound  was  heard  in  the  direction  in  which  ho  pointed. 
Scarcely  had  it  floated  on  the  air,  when  a  shrill,  loud,  and  prolonged  cry,  of 
peculiar  tendency,  burst  hurriedly  and  eagerly  from  the  lips  of  the  captive ; 
and,  spreading  over  the  broad  expanse  of  water,  seemed  to  be  re-echoed  back 
from  every  point  of  the  siu-rounding  shore. 

Great  was  the  confusion  that  followed  this  startling  yell  on  the  decks  of  the 
schooner.  "  Cut  the  hell-liend  down  1" — "  Chuck  him  overboard !" — "  We  are 
betrayed !" — "  Every  man  to  his  gun !" — "  Put  the  craft  about !"  were  among  the 
numerous  exclamations  that  now  rose  simultaneously  from  at  least  twenty 
lips,  and  almost  drowned  the  loud  shriek  that  burst  again  from  the  wretched 
Clara  de  Maldimai*. 

"  Stop,  MuUins ! — Stop,  men  I"  .shouted  Captain  de  Haldimar,  firmly,  as  the 
excited  boatswain,  with  tvv'O  or  three  of  his  companions,  now  advanced  with 
the  intention  of  laying  violent  hands  on  the  Indian.  "  I  will  answer  for  his 
fidelity  with  my  life.  If  he  be  false,  it  will  be  time  enough  to  punish  him 
afterwards ;  but  let  us  calmly  await  the  issue  like  men.  Hear  me,"  he  pro- 
ceeded, as  he  remarked  their  incredulous,  uncertain,  and  still  threatening  air  5 
"  this  Indian  saved  me  from  the  tomahawks  of  his  tribe  not  a  week  ago ;  and, 
even  now,  he  has  become  our  captive  in  the  act  of  taking  a  note  from  me  to 
the  garrison  to  warn  them  of  their  danger.  But  for  that  slumbering  fool,"  he 
added,  bitterly,  pointing  to  Fuller,  who  slept  when  he  should  have  watched, 
"  yon  fort  would  not  have  been  what  it  is, — a  mass  of  smoking  ruins.  He  has 
an  ocean  of  blood  upon  hie  soul,  that  all  the  waters  of  the  Huron  can  never 
wash  out !" 

Struck  by  the  vehement  manner  of  the  officer,  and  the  disclosure  he  had 
just  made,  the  sailors  sunk  once  more  into  inaction  and  silence.  The  boat- 
swain alone  spoke. 

"  I  thought,  your  honor,  as  how  Jack  Fuller,  who  sartainly  is  a  better  hand 
at  a  snooze  than  a  watcli,  had  got  in  a  bit  of  a  mess ;  but,  shiver  my  topsails, 
if  I  think  it's  quite  fair  to  blame  him,  neither,  for  clapping  a  stopper  on  the 
Ingian's  cable,  seeing  as  how  he  was  expecting  a  shot  between  wind  and  water. 
Still,  as  the  chap  turns  out  to  be  an  honest  chap,  and  has  saved  your  honor's 
life  above  all,  I  don't  much  care  if  I  give  liim  a  grip.  Here,  old  fellow,  tip  u& 
your  list !" 


144 


waooubta;    or,   thr    I'ROPtiKnv. 


Witlioiit  sociniti)!;  to  undcrstnnil  that  hi«  cry  hn»l  boon  jirodnctivo  (if  ponornl 
»nd  inti'iiso  aliirni  tllroll^:hout  the  vessel,  i]w  iHdiuii  hnd  virwrd  ilic  siiiidon 
ru.shinfr  of  (In*  crew  towiinls  him  ns  an  act  of  praliiitous  hostility  ;  and,  with- 
out slirinkinij;  from  tiu>  attack,  had  once  mon<  rcsinmsl  his  ori^jinal  air  of  doji;- 
pcd  snllrnncss.  It  was  ovidoiit  to  him,  from  tlu<  dis<Missioii  ndijv,!  on  that  somi" 
violi'iicc,  ahoiit  to  1)0  oIUtcmI  (o  his  jut'oii,  huii  only  hwn  prcvfiitcil  liy  tlu-  iii- 
torfinnci' of  the  oHiciT.  With  Iho  natural  hau^hlincs.s  of  his  sa\ain>  nutiirc, 
ho  thoivforo  rrjictod  tho  ovortiircs  of  the  snilor,  who,so  hand  ho  had  ol),sorvod 
Ainonu;  tlio  lirst  tlial  woro  raisod  atrainst  him, 

Wliiio  tho  anjiry  lioatswain  was  yot  rolliu)?  lii«  fjnitl  within  his  imuhimous 
jnws,  rnokin;.;-  his  lirain  for  tho  stronn'ost  hiU'iiiap'  whcroin  to  pivo  voni  to  his 
mdii^niition.  his  oars  wore  suddonly  sulutod  by  a  low  hut  cloar  "  Ililloa  !"  from 
tlu'  Ixnvs  of  tho  sclioonor. 

'"  Ay.  ny  !"  w.is  tho  liviof  rosjw  nso. 

"  Tlioro's  s(Miiolhin;i  niijiroaohimx  us  nlioad,  on  tho  wonthor  fonMnmrtor," 
continued  tho  samo  voioo,  wliioh  was  that  of  tho  man  on  tho  look-out. 

Tho  most  ]>rol'oiind  silonoo  now  jicrvadod  tho  ilook.  Kvory  iiirliviilnal.  in- 
cludimr  ('ai)tain  ^U'  llaMiiniir  ami  tho  hoiitswain,  had  llown  to  tho  (rnmrway  of 
tho  (juartor  indioat'il,  which  was  on  tho  sido  oo(Mi|)io(l  hy  (ho  conoli  of  llio  nn- 
forlnnuU'  ('lava.  I'roscntly  a  noiso  liko  that  iirodnood  hy  u  ^int;lo  jijiddio 
rapidly  ilividini;  tho  wator.  was  lioard  hy  ovory  anxious  oar.  Ni>;hl  had  lonp; 
sinoo  thrown  her  niantio  ovor  tho  surroiindinjr  wasto ;  and  .nil  that  w;;-t  to  ho 
soon  rctlocti'd  from  tho  liosom  of  tho  jri'adnally  darkonm;;  rivor,  scanoly  nilllod 
1)y  liio  yol  incipioiit  hrco/i-.  woro  n  low  strafrji'linj,'  stars,  that  lioro  and  llicro 
appeared  in  tho  overcast  lu-avens.  Hitherto  no  oliject  conM  ho  discovered  hy 
those  who  strained  their  eyes  eap'rly  and  painfully  (liroiij:h  the  i^iooni,  al- 
thoufrh  tho  soimds  hooaine  nt  each  moment  more  distinct.  It  was  evident  tlio 
party,  guided  hy  tho  noise  of  tho  ripplmj;  wavo.s  that  fell  from  the  hov.s  of  tho 
schooner,  was  onuhled  to  follow  li|)  a  course,  tho  direct  olno  to  which  had  heen 
indioatod  hy  the  rry  of  the  eaptiv(>.  Kverv  nmn  stood  near  his  ;:iin  on  tho 
fitarboard  battery,  and  tho  burning  matehos  linnsiiu'i;  over  their  risj'octivo 
buckets  ready  to  bo  .<!eized  at  a  moment's  notice.  Still,  but  little  room  tor  ap- 
prehension o.xislod  :  for  tho  i)ractised  ear  of  the  mariners  could  easily  tell  that 
a  solitary  bark  alone  approached  ;  and  of  (uio.  or  even  ton,  they  entertained  no 
fear.  Suddenly,  as  tho  course  of  tho  vessel  was  now  chan^iod  a  point  to  wind- 
Avnrd, — iv  movement  tliat  broufjht  her  bows  more  olV  the  ndjacont  slioro, — the 
eonnd,  in  which  all  were  more  or  loss  interested,  was  lioard  not  niojo  than 
twenty  yanis  off,  and  in  a  line  with  the  p;anj;way  at  which  tlic  principal  of  tho 
crow  were  ussembled.  In  the  next  niiimto  tho  low  hull  of  ii  canoo  camo  in 
sipht,  and  then  a  tall  and  solitary  Iniman  (ipuro  wn.s  seen  in  the  stern,  bend- 
ini;:  alternately  to  tho  ri(iht  and  to  the  left,  as  llio  pnddio  was  rapidly  nnd  suc- 
cessively cbanp;ed  from  side  to  sido. 

Another  deep  and  oxnUinR  "  rp;h  !"  wa,s  now  heaved  from  the  chest  of  the 
Indian,  who  stood  calmly  on  the  spot  on  which  lie  had  at  first  rested,  while 
Fuller  prepared  a  coil  of  rojjc  to  throw  to  the  active  steersman. 

'•  Avast  there,  Jack  !"  growled  the  boat.swnin,  addressing  tlio  sailor;  "  liow 
can  the  slran!j;or  keep  the  bow  of  his  craft  on,  and  prnpple  at  tho  same  time? 
JuBt  pass  one  end  of  the  coil  round  your  waist,  and  swing  your.solf  frently  into 
her." 

'J'he  head  of  the  canoe  was  now  near  onouph  for  the  purjioso.  The  sailor  did 
as  be  was  <lesirod,  havinfi  previously  divested  himself  of  his  .-lioes,  and  leapin^t 
forward,  nlij'hted  on  what  appeared  to  him  to  be  a  bundle  of  blaid<ol.s  stowed 
away  in  her  bows.  No  sooner,  however,  had  hi;  .secured  his  footing;,  when 
■with  anotlitr  desperate  leap,  and  greatly  to  the  astonisbmoTd-  of  all  around  ho 
bounded  once  more  to  the  deek  of  the  schooner,  his  countenance  exhibiting 
every  nuirk  of  sn|)orslitious  alarm.  In  tho  a(;t  of  quitting  the  canoe  ho  li;id 
spurni'd  her  several  feel  from  the  vessel,  which  tho  silent  steersman  was  again 
ruakini^  every  cllort  to  reach. 


wacouhta;    oh,   tiir    rRoriiRCY. 


146 


did 

iwcd 
lien 

iliii;; 
liad 
gnin 


"  Why,  whiit  tlic  Hovil'n  the  maltor  with  you  now  7"  cxr.UimoH  tho  mug;h 
boAUwain,  wlio,  as  well  ii.>4  (^u|iliiiii  do  lliildiinar  nnd  \\w  rent  of  tho  crow,  hMi 
qiiittoti  tho  ftan^wity  to  loam  llio  caiiso  of  IhiM  oxiraonhnary  oomhiot.  "  Damn 
my  oyoH,  if  von  ar'iil  worm)  ncarod  tlinn  when  tlio  liif^ian  Htoo<l  ovor  ym\  in 
tho  Jolly  hoilt." 

"Si'nroil,  ay,  to  lio  suro  I  am  ,  and  no  would  you  ho  Hcarwl  too,  if  you  M  % 
(UM^'d  what  I  did.  May  I  iiovor  touch  tho  point  at  I'orlNniouth,  if  I  ini't  hocti 
hur  uhoHt," 

"  Wlioiv  ? — wlioso  nhost? — what  frliost  ?— what  do  you  mean,  .lack  7"  ox- 
<-laimod  .several  mon  in  the  samo  lircalh,  wlnlo  tho  NUporstitionM  droad  mo  cmn- 
nioii  to  mariners  drew  them  still  closer  in  (ho  jjroup  that  encircled  their  com- 
panion. 

'•  Well,  tlion,  as  I  iini  a  niiserahio  Hinner,"  retnrneii  tho  man,  imnroHNivoly. 
and  in  a  low  tone,  "  I  see'd  in  (ho  howH  of  the  canoe, — and  tho  hand  that 
steered  it  was  not  made  of  IIchIi  anil  hlood  like  ourM, — what  do  you  think  7— 
the  KhoHt  of "' 

('aptain  do  lliildinmr  heard  no  more.  At  n  Nin);le  hound  ho  hail  )!;ained  tho 
chip's  side.  Mo  stiained  hi.s  eyes  anxiou.sly  over  tho  (jan^way  in  Noarch  of 
the  canoe,  hut  it  was  none.  A  death  like  silenco  thron^hout  tho  deck  follow- 
ed l\w  commnniciilion  of  the  snilor,  and  in  that  pause  tho  sound  of  the  reciHl- 
iuR  hoat  could  ln'  hoard,  not  nr^^ed,  as  it  had  iipproa<'hed,  hy  imo  paddlo, 
but  hy  two.  'I'he  he.'irl  of  the  ollicer  throMu'd  almost  to  snfroca(ion  ;  and  hid 
Drmncss,  hitherto  supported  hy  (ho  manly  energies  of  nature,  now  failed  him 
«iuite.  Ileedless  of  appearances,  repinllcHS  of  h(<inK  overlooked,  ho  tottered 
like  a  drunken  man  for  support  a;i;ainsl  (h(<  maimnast.  Kor  a  niomeni  <u'  two 
ho  leant  his  hi<ad  ii|)on  his  hand,  with  tho  air  of  one  immersed  in  mo  moHt 
profound  ahstraction  ;  while  tho  crow,  at  once  alarmed  and  touched  hy  tho 
(ieup  distress  into  which  this  mysterious  circumstance  had  {ilun^ed  him,  stood 
Hileutly  and  rcspectrully  watching  his  emotion.  Suddenly  ho  started  from 
bis  attitude  ol'|)ainfiil  n^poso.  like  one  awakening  from  a  dream,  and  dcmandod 
what  had  hecom(*  of  the  Inilian. 

Kvery  ono  looked  around,  hut  the  captive  was  no  whore  to  he  seen.  iSearch 
was  made  helow,  both  in  the  cahin  and  in  the  fore  docks,  and  men  werq  sent 
up  aloft  to  see  if  ho  had  secreied  himself  m  the  riptging ;  hut  all  retnrnud. 
KtatiuR  ho  was  no  where  to  he  found.  II<3  had  disappeared  from  the  vohsoI 
altogether,  yet  no  ono  know  how  ;  for  ho  liad  not  been  observed  to  stir  from 
the  Hpot  on  which  he  had  llrst  planted  himself.     It  was  plain  however,  he  had 

J'oined  the  mysterious  party  in  the  canoe,  from  the  fact  of  tho  second  paddlo 
laving  been  detected ;  and  all  attempt  at  pursuit,  without  endang(!ring  tho 
vessel  on  the  shallows,  whither  tlio  course  of  tho  fugitives  was  now  directed, 
wa.s  declared  by  the  boatswain  utterly  impracticable. 

Tho  amiouncement  of  the  Indian's  disappearance  seemed  to  put  tho  climax 
to  the  despair  of  the  unfortunate  oltlcer.  "  Then  is  our  every  nope  lost  I"  ho 
groaned  aloud,  ns,  quitting  tlio  centre  of  tho  vessel,  ho  slowly  traversed  tho 
deck,  and  once  more  stood  at  the  side  of  his  no  less  imha])py  and  excited  sif- 
ter. For  a  moment  or  two  ho  remained  with  his  arms  folded  acTo.ss  his  chest, 
gating  on  the  dark  outline  of  her  fortn  ;  and  then,  in  a  wild  paroxysm  of 
silent,  tearless  grief,  threw  himself  suddenly  on  the  edge  of  tho  couch,  and 
clasping  her  in  a  long  i^lo.se  eml)raco  to  his  audibly  beating  heart,  lay  like  ono 
bereft  of  all  sense  and  consciousness  of  surroimding  objects. 


ciiAPTRK  xxrr. 

The  night  passed  away  without  further  event  on  board  tho  schooner,  yet 
ia  fdl  the  anxiety  that  might  bo  supposed  incident  to  men  so  perilously  sitiut* 
10 


14* 


wao'O'Osta;    or,  thk    prophecy. 


ed.  Habits  of  long  sinca  acquired  superstition,  too  powerful  to  bo  easily  shAk- 
cn  off,  moreover,  contributed  to  tho  dejection  of  the  marinr.  s,  among  whom 
there  were  not  wanting  those  who  believed  the  silent  steersman  was  in  reality 
what  their  comrade  had  represented, — an  immaterial  boinjj.  sent  from  the 
world  of  spirits  to  warn  them  of  some  impending  evil.  AVhat  principally 
gave  weight  to  this  impression  were  the  rcijcated  asseverations  of  Fuller, 
during  the  sleepless  night  passed  b}'  all  on  deck,  that  what  ho  had  seen 
was  no  other,  could  be  no  other,  than  a  ghost !  exhibiting  in  its  hueless, 
fleshless  cheeks,  the  well  known  lineaments  of  one  who  was  supposed  to  be  no 
move ;  and,  if  the  story  of  their  comrade  had  needed  confirmation  among  men 
in  whom  faith  in,  rather  than  love  for,  the  marvellous  was  a  constitutional  in- 
gredient, the  terrible  olFccfc  that  seemed  to  have  been  produced  on  Captain  de 
ilaldimar  by  the  same  mysterious  visitation  would  have  been  more  than  con- 
clusive. The  very  appearance  of  the  night,  too,  favored  the  delusion.  The 
heavens,  comparatively  clear  at  the  moment  when  the  canoe  approached  the 
vessel,  became  suddenly  enveloped  in  the  deepest  gloom  at  its  departure,  as  if 
to  enshroud  the  course  of  those  who,  having  so  mysteriously  approached,  had 
also  so  unaccountably  disappeared.  Nor  h.-id  this  threatening  state  of  the  at- 
mosphere the  counterbalancing  a<ivantago  of  storm  and  tempest  to  drive  them 
onward  through  the  narrow  waters  of  the  Sinclair,  and  enable , them,  by  anti- 
cipating the  pursuit  of  tlicir  enemies,  to  shun  the  Scylla  and  Charbydis  that 
awaited  their  more  leisure  advance.  'J"hc  wind  increased  not;  and  the  di.sap- 
pointed  seamen  remarked,  with  dismay,  that  thci  ■  craft  scarcely  made  more 
progress  than  at  that  moment  when  she  tirst  quitted  her  ancliorage. 

It  was  now  near  the  iii'sfc  hours  of  tiny;  and  although,  perhaps,  none  slept, 
there  were  few  who  were  not  a])parent!y  at  rest,  and  plunged  in  the  most 
painful  reflections.  Still  o'ciipying  hoi-  humble  couch.  :uid  shielded  frem  the 
night  air  merely  by  the  cloak  that  covered  her  own  blood-stained  garments, 
lay  the  unhappy  Clara,  her  drcp^groans  and  stifled  sobs  bursting  occasionally 
from  her  pent-up  heart,  and  fidling  on  the  ears  of  the  mariners  like  sounds  of 
fearful  import,  produci'd  Viy  the  nij-sterious  agency  that  already  held  such 
undivided  power  over  their  thoughts.  On  the  baie  deck,  at  her  side,  lay  her 
brother,  his  face  turned  upon  the  planks,  as  if  to  shut  out  all  objects  from 
eyes  he  had  not  the  power  to  close ;  and,  with  one  arm  supporting  his  heavy 
brow,  while  the  other,  cast  around  the  restless  form  of  his  beloved  sister, 
seemed  to  offer  protection  and  to  impart  confidence,  even  while  his  lips  denied 
the  accents  of  consolation.  Seated  on  an  empty  hen-coop  at  their  head,  was 
Sir  Everard  Valletort.  his  back  rej)0sing  against  the  bulwarks  of  the  vessel, 
hie  aims  folded  across  his  chest,  and  his  eyes  bent  mechanically  on  the  man 
at  tho  helm,  who  stood  within  a  ihw  paces  of  him, — an  attitude  of  absorption, 
which  he,  ever  and  anon,  changerl  to  one  of  anxious  and  enquiring  interest, 
whenever  the  agitation  of  Clara  was  manifested  in  the  manner  already  shown. 

The  main  deck  and  forecastle  of  the  vessel  presented  a  similar  picture  of 
mingled  unquietness  and  repose.  Many  of  the  seamen  might  be  seen  seated 
on  the  gun-carriages,  with  their  cheeks  pressing  the  rude  metal  that  served 
thorn  for  a  pillow.  Others  lay  along  the  decks,  with  their  heads  resting  on 
the  elevated  hatches  ;  while  not  a  few,  squatted  on  their  haunches  with  their 
knees  doubled  up  to  their  very  chins,  supported  in  that  position  the  aching 
head  that  rested  between  their  rough  and  horny  palms.  A  first  glance  might 
have  induced  the  belief  that  all  were  buried  in  the  most  profound  slumber ; 
but  the  quick  jerking  of  a  limb, — the  fitful,  sudden  shifting  of  :.  po.sition, — 
the  utter  absence  of  that  deep  breathing  which  indicates  the  unconsciousness 
of  repose,  only  required  to  be  noticed,  to  prove  the  living  silence  that  reigned 
throughout  was  not  born  either  of  apathy  or  sleep. 

At  the  gangway  at  which  the  canoe  had  approached  now  stood  the  individ- 
ual already  introfhiced  to  our  re  aders  as  Jatik  Fuller.  The  same  superstitious 
t«pror  that  caused  his  flight  had  once  more  attracted  him  to  the  spot  where 
the  subject  of  his  alarm  tirst  appeared  to  him  ;  and,  without  seeming  to  reflect 


wacoitsta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


M7 


that  the  vessel,  in  her  slow  but  certain  progress,  had  left  all  vestige  of  the 
myaterious  visitor  behind,  he  continued  gazing  over  the  bulwarks  on  the  dxuk. 
waters,  as  if  he  expected  at  each  moment  to  find  his  sight  stricken  by  the 
same  appalling  vision.  It  was  at  the  moment  when  he  had  worked  up  iy» 
naturally  dull  imagination  to  its  highest  perception  of  the  supernatural,  th«t- 
he  was  joined  by  the  rugged  boatswain,  who  had  passed  the  greater  part  of 
the  night  in  pacing  up  and  down  the  decks,  watching  the  aspect  of  the  hewr- 
ens,  and  occasionally  tauting  a  rope  or  squaring  a  light  yard,  unassisted,  as 
the  fluttering  of  the  canvass  in  the  wind  rendered  the  alteration  necessary. 

"  Well,  Jack  !"  bluntly  observed  the  latter  in  a  gruff  whisper  that  reseiifr- 
bled  the  suppressed  growling  of  a  mastiff,  "  what  are  ye  thinking  of  now  ?— - 
Not  got  over  your  flumbustification  yet,  that  ye  stand  here,  looking  as  sano- 
tified  as  an  old  parson  !" 

"  I'll  tell  ye  what  it  is,  Mr.  Mullins,"  returned  the  sailor,  in  the  same  key  ; 
"  you  may  make  as  mucli  game  on  me  as  you  like  ;  but  these  hero  strange 
sort  of  doings  are  somehow'  quizzical ;  and,  though  I  fears  nothing  in  the 
shape  of  flesh  and  blood,  still,  when  it  comes  to  having  to  do  with  those  asi* 
gone  to  Davy  Jones's  loclcer  like,  it  gives  a  fellow  an  all-overishness  as  isnt 
quite  the  thing.     You  undeistaml  me  ?" 

"  Hang  me  if  1  do  !"  was  the  brief  rejoinder. 

"  Well,  then,"  continued  Fuller.  ''  if  I  must  out  with  it,  I  must.  T  think 
that  'ere  Ingi.au  must  have  been  the  devil,  or  how  could  he  come  so  sudden 
and  unbeknownst  upon  me,  with  the  head  of  a  'possum  :  and  then  ngin,  how 
could  he  get  away  from  the  craft  witliout  our  seeing  him  ?  and  how  camothe 
ghost  on  board  of  the  csnioo  ?" 

"  Avast  there,  old  fellow  ;  you  means  not  the  head  of  a  'possum,  but  • 
beaver:  but  that  'ore's  all  n.ii'ral  enough,  and  easily  'counted  for;  but  yon 
havn't  told  us  whose  ghost  it  \s'as,  after  all." 

"  No  ;  the  captain  made  such  a  spring  to  the  gunwale,  as  frightened  it  all 
out  of  my  head  :  but  come  closer,  Mr.  Mullins,  .and  I'll  whisper  it  in  yOnr 
ear.    Hark !  what  was  that .'" 

"I  hears  nothing,"  said  the  boatswain,  after  a  pause. 

"  It's  very  odd,"  continued  Fuller ;  "  but  I  thought  as  how  I  heard  it  mwe- 
ral  times  afore  you  came." 

"  There's  something  wrong,  I  take  it,  in  your  upper  story,  Jack  FulIeT," 
coolly  observed  his  companion ;  ''  that  'ere  ghost  has  quite  capsized  you." 

"  Hark,  again  !"  repeated  the  sailor.  "  Didn't  you  hear  it  then  ?  A  amrt 
of  a  groan,  like." 

"  Where,  in  what  part  ?"  calmly  demanded  the  baatswain,  though  in  the 
same  suppressed  tone  in  which  the  dialogue  had  been  carried  on. 

"  Why,  from  the  canoe  that  lies  .alongside  there.  I  heard  it  several  tipes 
afore." 

"  Well,  if  you  arn't  turned  a  real  coward  at  last,"  politely  remarked  Mr. 
Mullins.  "  Can't  the  poor  fat  devil  of  a  Canadism  snooze  a  bit  in  his  ham- 
mock, without  putting  you  so  completely  out  of  your  reckoning  ?" 

"  The  Canadian — the  Canadian !"  hurriedly  returned  Fuller :  "  why,  dion.t 
you  see  him  there,  leaning  with  his  back  to  the  mainmast,  and  as  fast  asieep 
as  if  the  devil  himself  couldn't  wake  him  ?" 

"  Then  it  was  the  devil  you  heard,  if  you  like,"  quaintly  retorted  MuUias: 
"  but  bear  a  hand  and  tell  us  all  about  this  here  ghost." 

"  Hark,  again  !  what  was  that  ?"  once  more  enquired  the  excited  sailor. 

"  Only  a  gust  of  wind  pas.sing  through  the  dried  boughs  of  the  canoe,"  said 
the  boatswain ;  "  bitt  sin(;e  we  can  get  nothing  out  of  that  crazed  noddla-of 
yours,  see  if  you  can't  do  something  with  your  hands.  That  'ere  ranoo  run- 
ning along  side,  takes  ha'f  a  knot  off  the  ship's  way.  Hear  a  hand  then, 
and  cast  off  the  painter,  and  let  her  drop  astain,  that  she  may  follow  in  <mr 
wake.     Ililloa  !  what's  the  mutter  with  the  man  now  ?" 

And  well  might  he  ask.     With  liis  eye-balls  staring,  lua  teeth  chftttcring^ 


148 


M'  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      OR,     T  H  K      P  K  O  F  II  K  C  V 


liis  body  half  ))cnt,  and  liis  arms  thrown  forward,  yet  pendent  as  if  suddenly 
arrested  in  that  position  while  in  the  act  of  reaching  the  rope,  the  terrified 
sailor  stood  gazing  on  the  stern  of  the  canoe ;  in  which,  by  the  faint  light  of 
tho  dawning  day,  was  to  l)u  seen  an  object  well  calculated  to  fill  the  least  su- 
perstitious heart  with  horror  and  dismay.  Through  an  opening  in  the  foliage 
peered  the  pale  and  spectral  face  of  a  human  being,  with  its  dull  eyes  bent 
fixedly  and  mechanically  upon  the  vessel.  In  the  centre  of  the  wan  forehead 
was  a  dark  in(!rustation  as  of  blood,  covering  the  superficies  of  a  newly  closed 
wound.  Tho  pallid  mouth  was  partially  unclosed,  so  as  to  display  a  row  of 
white  and  apparently  lipless  teeth ;  and  the  features  were  otherwise  set  and 
drawn,  as  those  of  one  who  is  no  longer  of  earth.  Around  the  head  was  bound 
a  covering  so  close,  as  to  conceal  every  i)art  sa\  e  the  face ;  and  once  or  twice  a 
hand  was  slowly  raised,  and  pressed  upon  the  blood  spot  that  dimncd  the  pass- 
ing fairness  of  the  brow.     Every  other  portion  of  the  form  was  invisible. 

"  Lord  have  mercy  upon  us  !"  exclaimed  the  boatswain,  in  a  voice  that,  now 
elevated  to  more  than  its  natural  tone,  sounded  startlingly  on  the  stillness  of 
the  scene ;  "  sure  enough  it  is,  indeed  a  ghost !" 

"  Ila !  do  you  T)elieve  me  now  ?"  returned  Fuller,  gaining  conlidencc  from 
the  admission  of  his  companion,  and  in  the  same  elevated  kej'.  "  It  is,  as  I 
hope  to  be  saved,  the  ghost  I  .see'd  afore." 

The  commotion  on  deck  was  now  everywhere  universal.  The  sailors  started 
to  their  feet,  and  with  horror  and  alarm  visibly  imprinted  on  their  countenances, 
rushed  tumultuously  towards  the  dreaded  gangway. 

"  Make  way — room,  fellows  !"  exclaimed  a  hurried  voice ;  and  presently 
Captain  de  Haldimar,  who  had  bounded  like  lightning  from  the  deck,  appeared 
with  eager  eye  and  excited  cheek  among  them.  To  leap  into  the  boat  and  dis- 
appear under  the  foliage,  was  the  work  of  a  single  instant.  All  listened  breath- 
lessly for  the  slightest  sound  ;  an(l  then  every  heart  throbbed  with  the  most 
undefinablc  emotions,  as  his  lips  were  heard  giving  utterance  to  the  deep  emo- 
tion of  his  own  sjiirit, — 

"  Madeline,  oh,  nij'  own  lost  Madeline  !"  he  exclaimed  with  almost  frantic 
energy  of  passion:  do  I  then  press  you  once  more  to  my  doating  heart? 
Speak,  speak,  to  me — for  God's  sake  speak,  or  I  shall  go  mad  1  Air,  air, — she 
wants  air  only — she  cannot  be  dead."' 

These  last  words  were  succeeded  by  the  furious  rending  asunder  of  the  fast>- 
enings  that  secured  the  boughs,  and  presently  the  whole  went  overboard, 
leaving  revealed  the  tall  and  picturesque  figure  of  the  officer ;  whose  left  arm 
encircled  while  it  supported  tlie  reclining  and  powerless  form  of  one  who  well 
resembled,  indeed,  the  spectre  for  which  she  had  been  mistaken,  while  his 
right  hand  was  busied  in  detaching  the  string  that  secured  a  portion  of  the 
covering  round  her  throat.  At  length  it  fell  from  her  shoulders ;  and  the  well 
known  form  of  Madeline  dc  Haldimar,  clad  even  in  the  vestments  in  which 
they  had  been  wont  to  see  her,  met  the  astonished  gaze  of  the  excited  seamen. 
Still  there  were  some  who  doubted  it  was  the  corporeal  woman  whom  they 
beheld ;  and  several  of  the  crew  who  were  Catholics  even  made  the  sign  of  the 
cross  as  the  supposed  spirit  was  now  borne  up  the  gangway  in  the  arms  of  the 
pained  yet  gratified  De  Haldimar :  nor  was  it  until  her  feet  were  seen  finally 
resting  on  the  deck,  that  Jack  Fuller  could  persuade  himself  it  was  indeed 
Miss  de  Haldimar,  and  not  her  ghost,  that  lay  clasped  to  the  heart  of  the 
officer. 

With  the  keen  rush  of  the  morning  air  upon  her  brow  returned  the  sus- 
pended consciousness  of  the  bewildered  Madeline.  The  blood  came  slowly 
and  imperceptibly  to  her  cheek ;  and  her  eyes,  hitherto  glazed,  fixed,  and  in- 
expressive, looked  enquiringly,  yet  with  stupid  wonderment,  around.  She 
startcdlrom  the  embrace  of  her  lover,  gazed  alternately  at  his  disguise,  at  him- 
self, and  at  Clara ;  and  then  passing  her  hand  several  times  rapidly  across  her 
brow,  uttered  an  liysteric  scream,  and  threw  herself  impetuously  forward  on 
the  bosom  of  the  sobbing  girl ;  who,  with  extended  arms,  parted  lips,  and 


wacousta;  on,  the  prophecy. 


149 


heaviug  bosom,  sat  breathlessly  awaiting  the  first  dawn  of  the  returning  reason 
of  her  more  than  sister. 

We  shotild  vainly  attempt  to  paint  all  the  heart-rending  misery  of  the  scene 
exhibited  in  the  gradual  restoration  of  Miss  de  Haldimar  to  her  senses.  Prom 
a  state  of  torpor,  produced  by  the  freezing  of  every  faculty  into  almost  idiotcy, 
she  was  suddenly  awakened  to  all  the  terrors  of  the  past ;  and  the  deep  into- 
nations of  her  rich  voice  were  heard  only  in  expressions  of  agony,  that  entered 
into  the  most  iron-hearted  of  the  assembled  seamen ;  while  they  clrew  from  the 
bosom  of  her  gentle  and  s}'mpathising  cousin  fresh  bursts  of  desolating  grief. 
Imagination  itself  would  iind  dilHculty  in  supplying  the  harrowing  effect  upon 
all,  when,  Avith  upraised  hands,  and  on  her  bended  knees,  her  large  e^'es  turned 
wildly  up  to  heaven,  she  invoked  in  deep  and  staitling  accents. the  terrible  re- 
tribution of  a  just  God  on  the  inhuman  murderers  of  her  father,  with  whose 
life-blood  her  garments  were  profusely  saturated ;  and  then,  with  hysteric 
laughter,  demanded  why  she  alone  had  been  singled  out  to  survive*the  bloody 
tragedy.  Love  and  affection,  hitherto  the  first  principles  of  her  existence,  then 
found  no  entrance  into  her  mind.  Stricken,  brokeu-hearted,  stultified  to  all 
feeling  save  that  of  her  immediate  wretchedness,  she  thought  only  of  the  hor- 
rible scenes  through  which  she  had  passed ;  and  even  he,  whom  at  another 
moment  she  could  have  clasped  in  an  agony  of  fond  tenderness  to  her  beating 
bosom, — he  to  whom  she  had  pledged  her  virgin  fuith,  and  was  bound  by  the 
dearest  of  human  ties, — he  whom  she  had  so  often  longed  to  behold  once  more, 
and  had  thought  of,  the  preceding  day,  with  all  the  tenderness  of  her  impas- 
sioned and  devoted  soul, — even  lie  did  not,  in  the  first  hours  of  her  terrible 
con.sciousness,  so  much  as  command  a  single  passing  regard.  All  the  affec- 
tions were  for  a  moment  blighted  in  her  bosom.  She  seemed  as  one  devoted, 
without  the  power  of  resistance,  to  a  grief  which  calcined  and  preyed  upon  all 
other  feelings  of  the  mind.  One  stunning  and  annihilating  reflection  seemed 
to  engross  every  principle  of  her  being ;  nor  was  it  for  hours  after  she  had 
been  restored  to  life  and  recollection  that  a  deluge  of  burning  tears,  giving  re- 
lief to  her  heart  and  a  new  direction  to  her  feelings,  enabled  her  at  length  to 
separate  the  past  from,  and  in  some  degree  devote  herself  to,  the  present. 
Then,  indeed,  for  the  first  time  did  she  perceive  and  take  pleasure  in  the  pre- 
sence of  her  lover ;  and  clasping  her  beloved  and  weeping  Clam  to  her  heart, 
thank  her  God,  in  all  the  fervor  of  true  piety,  that  she  at  least  had  been  spared 
to  shed  a  ray  of  comfort  on  her  distracted  spirit.  But  we  will  not  pain  the 
reader  by  dwelling  on  s  scene  that  drew  tears  even  from  the  rugged  and  flint- 
hearted  boatswain  himself;  for,  although  we  should  linger  on  it  with  minute 
anatora.,  al  detail,  no  powers  of  language  we  possess  could  convey  the  trans- 
cript as  it  should  be.  Pass  we  on,  therefore,  to  the  more  immediate  incidents 
of  our  narrative. 

The  day  now  rapidly  developing,  full  opportunity  was  afforded  the  mari- 
ners to  survey  the  strict  nature  of  their  position.  To  all  appearance  they 
were  yet  in  the  middle  of  the  lake,  for  around  them  lay  the  belting  sweep  of 
forest  that  bounded  the  perspective  of  the  equidistant  circlo,  of  which  their 
bark  was  the  focus  or  immediate  centre.  The  wind  was  dying  gradually 
away,  and  when  at  length  the  sun  rose,  in  all  its  splendor,  there  was  scarce 
air  enough  in  the  heavens  to  keep  the  sails  from  flapping  against  the  masts, 
or  to  enable  the  vessel  to  obey  her  helm.  In  vain  was  the  low  and  peculiar 
whist'o  of  the  seamen  heard,  ever  and  anon,  in  invocation  of  the  departing 
breeze.  Another  day,  calm  and  breathless  as  the  preceding,  had  been  char- 
tered from  the  world  of  light ;  and  their  hearts  failed  them  as  they  foresaw 
the  dilticulty  of  their  position,  and  the  almost  certainty  of  their  retreat  being 
cut  off.  It  was  while  laboring  under  the  disheartening  consciousness  of  dan- 
ger, peculiar  to  all,  that  the  anxious  boatswain  summoned  (Captain  de  Haldi- 
mar and  Sir  Everard  Valletort,  by  a  significant  beck  of  the  finger,  to  the  side 
of  the  deck  opposite  to  that  on  wfiich  rftill  lay  the  suffei-ing  and  nearly  broken- 
hearted girls. 


150 


WACOUSTA 


U  K  . 


THE      PROPHECY. 


"  Well,  Mullins,  what  now  ?"  enquired  the  former,  as  he  narrowly  scanned 
the  expression  of  the  old  ni.in's  ftiatiires :  "  that  clouded  brow  of  yours,  I  fear 
me,  bodes  no  agreeable  information." 

"  Why,  your  honor,  I  scarcely  knows  what  to  say  about  it ;  but  seeing  as 
I'm  the  only  olficer  in  the  ship,  now  our  poor  captain  is  killed,  God  bless  him ! 
i  thought  1  might  take  the  liberty  to  consult  with  your  honors  us  to  the  best 
way  of  getting  out  of  the  jaws  of' them  sharks  of  Ingians  ;  and  two  heads,  as 
the  saying  is,  is  alwaj's  better  than  one." 

•'  And  now  yon  have  the  advantage  of  three,"  observed  the  officer,  with  a 
sickly  smile ;  '•  but  I  fear,  Mullins,  that  if  your  own  be  not  sufficient  for  the 
purpose,  ours  will  be  of  little  service.  You  must  take  counsel  from  your  own 
experience  and  knowledge  of  nautical  matters." 

''  Why,  to  bo  sure,  your  honor,"  and  the  sailor  rolled  his  quid  from  one 
«hcok  to  the  other,  "  I  think  I  may  sa^'  as  how  I'll  venture  to  steer  the  craft 
with  any  man  on  the  Canada  lakes,  and  bring  her  safe  into  port,  too ;  but 
seeing  as  how  I'm  only  a  petty  officer,  and  not  yet  recommended  by  his  wor- 
ship the  governor  for  the  full  command,  I  thought  it  but  right  to  consult  with 
my  superiors,  not  as  to  the  management  of  the  craft,  but  the  best  as  is  to  be 
done.  What  does  your  honor  think  of  making  for  the  high  land  over  the 
larboard  bow  yonder,  and  waiting  for  the  chance  of  the  night  breeze  to  take 
us  through  the  Sinclair  ?" 

"  Do  whatever  you  think  best,''  returned  the  officer.  '"  For  my  part,  I 
scarcely  can  give  an  opinion.  Yet  how  are  we  to  get  there  ?  There  docs  not 
appear  to  be  a  breath  of  wind." 

"  Oh,  that's  easily  managed ;  we  have  only  to  brail  and  furl  up  a  little,  to 
hide  our  cloth  from  the  Ingians,  and  then  send  the  boats  ahead  to  tow  the 
craft,  while  some  of  us  lend  a  hand  at  her  own  sweeps.  We  shall  get  close 
under  the  lee  of  the  land  afore  night,  and  then  we  must  pull  up  agin  along 
shore,  until  we  get  within  a  mile  or  so  of  the  head  of  the  river." 

"  Cut  shall  we  not  be  seen  by  our  enemies  ?"  asked  Sir  Everard  ;  "  and  will 
they  not  be  on  the  watch  for  our  movements,  and  intercept  our  retreat  ?" 

"Now  that's  just  the  thing,  your  honor,  as  they're  not  likely  to  do,  if  so  be 
as  wo  bears  away  from  yon  headlands.  I  know  every  nook  and  sounding 
round  the  lake ;  and  odd  enough  if  I  didn't,  seeing  as  how  the  craft  circum- 
navigated it  at  least  a  dozen  times  since  we  have  been  cooped  up  here.  Poor 
Captain  Dan  vers!  (may  the  devil  take  his  murderers,  I  say,  though  it  does 
make  a  commander  of  me  for  once ;)  he  used  always  to  make  for  that 
'ere  point,  whenever  he  wished  to  lie  quiet ;  for  never  once  did  we  see  so 
much  as  a  single  Ingian  on  the  headland.  No,  your  honor,  they  keeps  all  at 
t'other  side  of  the  lake,  seeing  as  how  that  is  the  main  road  from  Mackina  to 
Detroit." 

"  Then,  by  all  means,  do  so,"  eagerly  returned  Captain  de  Haldimar.  "  Oh, 
Mullins  I  take  us  but  safely  through,  and  if  the  interest  of  my  father  can 
procure  a  king's  commission,  you  shall  not  want  it.  believe  me." 

"  And  if  half  my  fortune  can  give  additional  stimulus  to  exertion,  it  shall 
be  shared,  with  pleasure,  between  yourself  and  crew,"  observed  Sir  Everard. 

"  Thank  your  honors, — thank  your  honors,"  said  the  boatswain,  somewhat 
electrified  by  these  brilliant  odors.  "  The  lads  may  take  the  money,  if  they 
like  ;  all  I  cares  about  is  the  king's  commission.  Give  mo  but  a  swab  on  my 
shoulder,  and  the  money  will  come  fast  enough  of  itself.  But  still,  shiver 
my  topsails,  if  I  wants  any  bribery  to  make  me  do  my  duty ;  besides,  if 
'twas  only  for  them  poor  girls  alone,  I  would  go  throu;;;h  fire  and  water  to 
sarvo  them.  I'm  not  verj'  chicken-hearted  in  my  old  age,  your  honors,  but  I 
don't  recollect  the  time  when  1  blubbered  so  much  as  1  did  ^\  hen  Miss  Made- 
line come  aboard.  But  I  can't  bear  to  think  of  it ;  and  now  let  us  see  and 
got  all  ready  for  towing." 

Everything  now  became  bustle  and  activity  on  board  the  schooner.  The 
matches,  no  longer  rcciuircd  for  the  moment,  were  extinguished,  and  the  heavy 


wacovsta;  or,  the  prophbcy. 


161 


"Oh, 


eotlasses  and  pistols  unbuckled  from  the  loins  of  the  men,  and  deposited  near 
their  respective  guns.    Light  forms  flew  aloft,  and  standing  out  upon  the 

Jards,  loosely  furled  the  sails  that  had  previously  been  hauled  and  clewed  up ; 
ut  as  this  was  an  operation  requiring  little  time  in  so  small  a  vessel,  those 
who  were  engaged  in  it  speedily  glided  to  the  deck  again,  ready  for  a  more 
arduous  service.  The  boats  had,  meanwhile,  been  got  forward,  and  into  these 
the  sailors  sprang  with  an  alacrity  that  could  scarcely  have  been  expected 
from  men  who  had  passed  not  only  the  preceding  night,  but  many  before  it, 
in  utter  sleeplessness  and  despair.  But  the  imminence  of  the  danger,  and 
the  evident  necessity  existing  for  exertion,  aroused  them  to  now  energy ;  and 
the  hitherto  motionless  vessel  was  now  made  to  obey  the  impulse  given  by 
the  tow  ropes  of  the  boats,  in  a  manner  that  proved  their  crews  to  have  en- 
tered on  their  toil  with  the  determination  of  men  resolved  to  devote  them- 
selves in  earnest  to  their  tasks.  Nor  was  the  spirit  of  action  confined  to 
these.  The  long  sweeps  of  the  schooner  had  been  shipped,  and  such  of  the 
crew  as  remained  on  board  labored  ettectually  at  them, — a  service  in  which 
they  were  tssentially  aided,  not  only  by  mine  host  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis,  but 
by  tbe  young  officers  themselves. 

A  mid-day  the  headlands  were  seen  looming  largely  in  the  distance,  while 
the  immediate  shores  of  the  ill-fated  fortress  were  momentarily,  and  in  the 
same  proportion,  disappearing  under  the  dim  lino  of  horizon  in  the  rear. 
More  than  half  their  course,  from  the  spot  whence  they  commenced  towing, 
had  been  completed,  when  the  harassed  men  were  made  to  quit  their  oars,  in 
order  to  partake  of  the  scanty  fare  of  the  vessel,  consisting  chiefly  of  dried 
bear's  meat  and  venison.  Spirit  of  any  description  they  had  none ;  but,  un- 
like their  brethren  of  the  Atlantic,  when  driven  to  extremities  in  food,  they 
knew  not  what  it  was  to  poison  the  nutritious  properties  of  the  latter  by  sip- 
ing  the  putrid  dregs  of  the  water-cask,  in  quantities  scarce  sufficient  to  quench 
the  fire  of  their  parched  palates.  Unslaked  thirst  was  a  misery  unknown  to 
the  mariners  of  these  lakes  :  it  was  but  to  cast  their  buckets  deep  into  the 
tempting  element,  and  water,  pure,  sweet,  and  grateful  as  any  that  ever  bub- 
bled from  the  moss-clad  fountain  of  sylvan  deity,  came  cool  and  refreshing 
to  their  lips,  neutralising,  in  a  measure,  the  crudities  of  the  coarsest  food.  It 
was  to  this  inestimable  advantage  the  crew  of  the  schooner  had  been  prin- 
cipally indebted  for  their  health,  during  the  long  series  of  privation,  as  far  as 
related  to  fresh  provisions  and  rest,  to  which  they  had  been  subjected.  All 
appeared  as  vigorous  in  frame,  and  robust  in  health,  as  at  the  moment  when 
they  had  lart  quitted  the  waters  of  the  Detroit;  and  but  for  the  inward  sink- 
ing of  the  spirit  reflected  in  many  a  bronzed  and  furrowed  brow,  there  was 
little  to  show  they  had  been  exposed  to  any  very  extraordinary  trials. 

Their  meal  having  been  hastily  despatched,  and  sweetened  by  a  draught 
from  the  depths  of  the  Huron,  the  seamen  once  more  sprang  into  their  boats, 
and  devoted  themselves,  heart  and  soul,  to  the  completion  of  their  task,  pull- 
ing ^vith  a  vigor  that  operated  on  each  and  all  with  a  tendency  to  encourage- 
ment and  hope.  At  length  the  vessel,  still  impelled  by  her  own  sweeps,  gra- 
dually approached  the  land  ;  and  at  rather  more  than  an  hour  before  sunset 
was  so  near  that  the  moment  was  deemed  arrived  when,  without  danger  of 
being  perceived,  she  might  be  run  up  along  the  shore  to  the  point  alluded  to 
by  the  boatswain.  Little  more  than  another  hour  was  occupied  in  bringing  her 
to  her  station  ;  and  the  red  tints  of  departing  day  were  visible  in  the  direction 
of  the  ill-fated  fortress  of  Michillimackinac,  when  the  sullen  rumbling  of  the 
cable,  following  the  heavy  splash  of  the  anchor,  announced  the  place  of  mo- 
mentary concealment  had  been  gamed. 

The  anchorage  lay  between  two  projecting  headlands;  to  the  outermost 
extremities  of  which  were  to  be  seen  overhanging  the  lake,  the  state- 
ly birch  and  pine,  connected  at  their  base  by  impeaetrable  brushwood,  ex- 
tending to  the  very  shore,  and  affording  tiie  amplest  concealment,  except  from 
the  lake  side  and  tlie  banks  under  which  the  schooner  was  moored.    From 


152 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophect. 


the  first  quarter,  however,  little  danger  was  incurred,  as  any  canoes  the  sav- 
ages might  send  in  discovery  of  their  course,  must  unavoidably  be  seen  the 
moment  they  appeared  over  the  line  of  the  horizon,  while,  on  the  contrary, 
tlioir  own  vessel,  although  much  larger,  resting  on  and  identified  with  the 
land,  must  bo  invisible,  except  on  a  very  near  approach.  In  the  opposite  di- 
rection they  were  equally  safe ;  for,  as  Mullins  had  truly  remarked,  none,  save 
a  few  wandering  hunters,  whom  chance  occasionally  led  to  the  spot,  were  to 
be  met  with  in  a  part  of  the  country  that  lay  so  completely  out  of  the  track 
of  communication  between  the  fortress.  It  was,  however,  but  to  double  the 
second  headland  in  their  front,  and  they  came  within  view  of  the  Sinclair,  the 
head  of  which  was  situated  little  more  than  a  league  beyond  the  spot  where 
they  now  lay.  Thus  secure  for  the  present,  and  waiting  only  for  the  rising 
of  the  breeze,  of  which  the  setting  sun  had  given  promise,  the  sailors  once 
more  snatched  their  ha^sty  refreshment,  while  two  of  their  number  were  sent 
aloft  to  keep  a  vigilant  look-out  along  the  circuit  embraced  by  the  enshroud- 
ed headlands. 

During  the  whole  of  the  day  the  cousins  had  continued  on  deck  clasped  in 
each  other's  arms,  and  shedding  tears  of  bitterness,  and  heaving  the  most 
lieart-rending  sobs  at  intervals,  yet  but  rarely  conversing.  The  feelings  of 
both  were  too  much  oppressed  to  admit  of  the  utterance  of  their  gi-ief.  The 
vampire  of  despair  had  banqueted  on  their  hearts.  Often  had  Sir  Everard 
and  De  Haldimar  paused  momentarily  ivm  the  labor  of  their  oars,  lo  cast  an 
eye  of  anxious  solicitude  on  the  scarcely  conscious  girls,  wishing,  rather  than 
expecting,  to  find  the  violence  of  their  desolation  abated,  and  that,  in  the  full 
expansion  of  unreserved  ccmmunication,  they  were  relieving  their  sick  hearts 
from  the  terrible  weight  of  woe  that  bore  them  down.  Captain  de  Haldimar 
had  even  once  or  twice  essayed  to  introduce  the  subject  himself,  in  the  ho^jo 
that  some  fresh  paroxysm,  following  their  disclosures,  would  remove  the  hor- 
rible stupefaction  of  their  senses';  but  the  wild  look  and  excited  manner  of 
Madeline,  whenever  he  touched  on  the  chord  of  her  affliction,  had  as  often 
caused  him  to  desist. 

Towards  the  evening,  however,  her  natural  strength  of  character  came  in 
aid  of  his  quiescent  eflbrts  to  soothe  her ;  and  she  appeared  not  only  more 
composed,  but  more  sensible  of  the  impression  produced  by  suiTounding  ob- 
jects. As  the  last  rays  of  the  sun  were  tinging  the  horizon,  she  drew  up  her 
form  in  a  sitting  position  against  the  bulwarks,  and,  raising  her  clasped  hands  to 
heaven,  while  her  eyes  were  bent  long  and  fixedly  on  the  distant  west,  appear- 
ed some  minutes  wholly  lost  in  that  attitude  of  absorption.  Then  she  closed 
her  eyes ;  and  through  the  swollen  lids  came  com  sing,  one  by  one,  over  her 
quivering  cheek,  large  tears,  that  seemed  to  scald  a  furrow  where  they  pas,sed. 
After  this  she  became  more  calm — her  respiration  more  free ;  and  she  even 
consented  to  taste  the  humble  meal  which  the  young  man  now  offered  for  the 
third  time.  Neither  Clara  nor  herself  had  eaten  food  since  the  preceding 
morning ;  and  the  weakness  of  their  frames  contributed  not  a  little  to  the  in- 
creasing despondency  of  their  spirits ;  but,  notwithstanding  several  attempts 
previously  made,  they  had  rejected  what  was  offered  them,  with  insurmount- 
able loathing.  When  they  had  now  swallowed  a  few  morsels  of  the  sliced 
venison  ham,  prepared  with  all  the  delicacy  the  nearly  exhausted  resources 
of  the  vessel  could  supply,  accompanied  by  a  smidl  portion  of  the  corn-bread 
of  the  Canadian,  Captain  de  Haldimar  prevailed  on  them  to  swallow  a  few 
drops  of  the  spirit  that  still  remained  in  the  canteen  given  them  by  Erskino 
on  their  departure  from  Detroit.  The  genial  liquid  sent  a  kindling  glow  to 
their  chilled  hearts,  and  for  a  moment  deadened  the  pungency  of  their  anguish ; 
and  then  it  was  that  Miss  de  Haldimar  entered  briefly  on  the  horrors  she  had 
witnessed,  while  Clara,  with  her  arm  encircling  her  waist,  fixed  her  dim  and 
swollen  eyes,  from  which  a  tear  ever  and  anon  rolled  heavily  to  her  lap,  on 
those  of  her  beloved  cousin. 


wagovbta;   or,    ths   prophbot. 


163 


CHAPTER  XXm. 

Without  borrowing  the  affecting  language  of  the  unhappy  girl — a  language 
rendered  even  more  touching  by  the  peculiar  pathos  of  her  tones,  and  the 
searching  agony  of  spirit  that  burst  at  intervals  through  her  narrative — we 
will  merely  present  our  readers  with  a  brief  summary  of  what  was  gleaned 
from  her  melancholy  disclosure.  On  bearing  her  couisin  to  the  bed-room, 
after  the  terrifying  yell  first  heard  from  without  the  fort,  she  had  flown  down 
the  front  stairs  of  the  block-house,  in  the  hope  of  reaching  the  guard-room  in 
time  to  acquint  Captain  Baynton  with  what  she  and  Clara  had  witnessed 
from  the  window.  Scarcely,  however,  had  she  gained  the  exterior  of  the 
building,  when  she  saw  that  oflicer  descending  from  a  point  of  the  ramparu 
immediately  on  her  left,  and  almost  in  a  line  with  the  block-house.  He  was 
running  to  overtake  and  return  the  ball  of  the  Indian  players,  which  had,  at 
that  moment,  fallen  into  the  centre  of  the  fort,  and  was  now  rolling  rapidly 
away  from  the  spot  on  which  Miss  de  Haldimar  stood.  The  course  of  the 
ball  led  the  pursuing  oflicer  out  of  the  reach  of  her  voice ;  and  it  was  not 
until  he  had  overtaken  and  thrown  it  again  over  the  rampart,  she  could  suc- 
ceed in  claiming  his  attention.  No  sooner,  however,  had  he  heard  her  hurried 
statement,  than,  without  waiting  to  take  the  orders  of  his  commanding  officer, 
he  prepared  to  join  his  guard,  and  gave  directions  for  the  immediate  closing  of 
the  gates.  But  the  opportunity  was  now  lost.  The  delay  occasioned  by  the 
chase  and  recovery  of  the  ball  had  given  the  Indians  time  to  approach  the 
gates  in  a  body,  while  the  unsuspicious  soldiery  looked  on  without  so  much 
as  dreaming  to  prevent  them ;  and  Captain  Baynton  had  scarcely  moved  for- 
ward in  execution  of  his  purpose,  when  the  yelling  fiends  were  seen  already 
possessing  themselves  of  the  drawbridge,  and  exhibiting  every  appearance  of 
fierce  hostility.  Wild,  maddened  at  the  sight,  the  almost  frantic  Madeline, 
alive  only  to  her  father's  danger,  rushed  back  towards  the  council  room, 
whence  the  startling  yell  from  without  had  already  been  echoed,  and  where 
the  tramp  of  feet  and  the  clashing  of  weapons  were  distinguishable. 

Cut  off"  from  his  guard,  by  the  rapid  inundation  of  warriors.  Captain  Bayn- 
ton had  at  once  seen  the  futility  of  all  attempts  to  join  the  men,  and  his  first 
impression  evidently  had  been  to  devote  himself  to  the  preservation  of  the 
cousins.  With  this  view  he  turned  hastily  to  Miss  de  Haldimar,  and  hurried- 
Ij'  naming  the  back  staircase  of  the  block-house,  urged  her  to  direct  her  flight 
to  that  quarter.  But  the  excited  girl  had  neither  consideration  nor  fear  for 
herself;  she  thought  only  of  her  father :  and,  even  while  the  fierceness  of 
contest  was  at  its  height  within,  she  suddenly  burst  into  the  council  room. 
The  confusion  and  horror  of  the  scene  that  met  her  eyes  no  language  can 
render :  blood  was  flowing  in  every  direction,  and  dying  and  dead  officers,  al- 
ready stripped  of  their  scalps,  were  lying  strewed  around  the  room.  Still  the 
survivors  fought  with  all  the  obstinacy  of  despair,  and  many  of  the  Indians 
had  shared  the  fate  of  their  victims.  Miss  de  Haldimar  attempted  to  reach 
her  father,  then  vigorously  combatting  with  one  of  the  most  desperate  of  the 
chiefs ;  but,  before  she  could  dart  through  the  intervening  crowd,  a  savage 
seized  her  by  the  hair,  and  brandished  a  tomahawk  rapidly  over  her  neck. 
At  this  moment  Captain  Baynton  dent  his  glittering  blade  deep  into  the  heart 
of  the  Ii.dian,  who,  relinquishing  his  grasp,  fell  dead  at  the  feet  of  his  intend- 
ed victim.  The  devoted  officer  then  threw  his  left  arm  round  her  waist,  and 
parrying  with  his  sword-arm  the  blows  of  those  who  sought  to  intercept  his 
flighty  dragged  his  reluctant  burden  towards  the  door.  Hotly  pressed  by  the 
remaming  officers,  nearly  equal  in  number,  the  Indians  were  now  compelled 
to  turn  and  defend  themselves  in  front,  when  Captain  Baynton  took  that  op- 
portunity of  getting  once  more  into  the  corridor,  not,  however,  without  hav- 
ing received  a  severe  wound  immediately  beliind  the  right  ear,  and  leaving  a 


144 


WAcorsTA;    or,    tub    r  k  o  i*  ii  k  c  v 


skirl  and  lappel  of  his  iiiiifonn  in  the  liiimls  of  two  s,ava}:os  who  had  surcos- 
sivfly  issayi'd  to  dotain  him.  At  (liiit  inoiiu'iit  (ho  Imiul  without  had  suc- 
ceed jd  in  forcina; open  tI>o  door  of  1  he  f^nni-d  room  ;  and  tlu>  oHiii-r  saw  at  a 
glance  lliero  was  httle  time  left  fin-  decision.  In  hurried  and  implorin;:^  accents 
ho  IwNou'rht  iMIsn  do  Haldimar  to  forjjiot  every  tliinj?  but  lier  own  (huijjer,  and 
to  Huinmon  resolution  to  tear  herself  from  tho  .scene  ;  but  prayer  ami  entreaty, 
and  even  force,  were  alike  employed  in  vain.  Clinjiing  liriuly  to  tlio  rude  bal- 
ustrades, she  refused  to  hi.'  led  up  the  staircase,  and  wildly  rosistinp;  all  hi.s 
cHbrtH  to  detacli  her  IkukN,  declared  slio  would  apiain  return  to  tho  .scene  of 
<lcath,  in  which  her  l)eloved  |)arent  was  .so  conspicuous  an  actor.  While  ho 
Avas  yet  euRnji'cd  in  this  fruitless  attempt  to  force  her  from  the  spot,  the  door 
of  tlio  council-room  was  snddcidy  b)u;stopen,  and  a  ^roup  of  bleeding  oflicers, 
anionij;  whom  was  Major  de  llaldimar,  followed  by  their  yelling  enemies, 
rushed  wildly  into  the  jjussafie,  and,  at  tho  very  foot  of  the  stairs  where  they 
yet  sfooil,  the  conil>at  was  renewed.  From  that  moment  Miss  le  llaldimar 
lost  si;iht  of  her  ftentrous  jnotector.  Meanwhile  tho  tumult  of  e.xeci'ations, 
and  iitoans,  and  yells,  was  at  its  heipht ;  and  one  by  one  she  saw  the  iu\haj)py 
oiUci'i's  sink  beneath  weapons  yet  reeking  with  tho  blood  of  their  conn-ades, 
luitil  not  more  than  three  or  four,  including  her  father  and  the  commander  of 
the  schooner,  were  left.  A I  length  Major  de  llaldimar.  overcome  by  exertion 
and  flint  from  woinids,  while  his  wild  eye  darted  despairinjrly  on  his  daugli- 
ter,  had  his  sword-arm  despcnitely  wounded,  when  the  blade  (hopjjed  to  tho 
earth,  and  a  dozen  weapons  glittered  above  his  head.  The  wild  shriek  that 
had  slartled  Clara  then  l)urst  from  the  agonised  heart  of  her  maddened  cousin, 
and  she  darted  forward  to  cover  her  father's  head  with  her  arms.  Ihit  her 
senses  failed  her  in  the  attempt;  and  the  last  thing  she  recollected  was  fidling 
over  tho  weltering  C)rm  of  iMiddleton,  who  pre.s.sed  her,  as  she  lay  there,  in 
the  convulsive  energ)'  of  di'ntl^,  to  his  almost  pul.seless  heart. 

A  vague  consciousness  of  being  raised  from  the  earth,  borne  rapidly  through 
the  air,  came  over  her  even  in  her  insensibility,  but  without  any  dciinite  per- 
ception of  the  present,  or  recollection  of  tho  past,  until  she  suddenly,  when 
about  midway  between  the  fori,  and  the  jwint  of  wood  that  led  to  Chabouiga, 
opened  her  eyes,  and  found  hoi'self  in  tho  lirm  grasp  of  an  Indian,  whoso 
/eatures,  oven  in  the  hasty  and  fearful  glance  she  cast  at  the  counteuiince,  she 
fancied  were  not  unfamiliar  to  her.  Not  another  huunui  being  was  to  be  seen 
in  the  clearing  at  that  moinont ;  for  all  the  savages,  including  even  the  women 
assembled  outside,  were  within  tho  fort  assisting  in  tho  complex  horrors  of 
murder,  lire,  and  spoliation.  In  the  wild  energy  of  returning  reason  and  de- 
spair, the  wretched  gii'l  struggled  violently  to  free  herself;  and  so  far  with 
8uci;ess,  that  the  Indian,  whoso  .strength  was  evidently  fast  failing  him,  was 
compelled  to  quit  his  hold  and  sufl'er  her  to  walk.  No  sooner  did  Miss  <le  llal- 
dimar feel  her  feet  touching  tho  ground,  when  .she  again  renewed  her  exertions 
to  free  herself,  and  return  to  the  fort;  but  tho  Indian  held  her  firmly  secure<l 
by  a  leathe/n  thong  he  now  uttjtchfd  to  her  waist,  and  every  attempt  proved 
abortive.  Ho  was  evidently  nuich  disconcerted  at  her  resistance ;  and  moro 
than  once  she  expected,  and  uluiost  hoi)ed,  the  tomahawk  at  his  side  would  bo 
made  to  revengx;  him  for  the  test  to  which  his  i)atience  was  Kubje<;tuil :  Ixit 
Miss  d(!  llaldimar  looked  in  vain  for  the  ex])ression  of  ferocity  and  iinpaliencc 
tliiit  might  have  been  expected  from  him  at  such  a  moment.  Tlicie  Avas  ;iii 
ail'  of  iiiournruliu's.'.,  and  even  kindness,  mingled  with  seviiity.  on  his  sniu^illi 
bro'.v  tli;>t  harmonise  1  ill  with  tlic  horribie  atrocities  in  which  he  had.  lo  ::ll 
tip[i('ai'.ince,  covered  ;is  h.'  was  with  blood.  b;'an  so  ivceiil  :uid  proniiiii  nl.  :!ii 
aci.or.  'fhu  Indian  reiiiarked  lier  surprise;  and  then  looking  hmrifdly.  but 
kernly,  around,  and  liniling  no  living  bcuiig  near  l.honi.  siidilcniy  tore  the  .shirt 
IVom  his  chest,  and  einphiitically  pronouncing  the  iiauies  '•  Oucanasta,"  "  I'e 
llaldimar,"  disclosed  to  tho  still  struggling  captive  the  bosom  of  a  W(nnan. 
After  which,  pointing  in  the  direction  of  the  wood,  aud  iiuiiUy  towards  Deti'oit, 


cl    SllPCOfl- 

liiul  sue- 
II  w  at  a 
\'A  acofiits 


waooosta;    or,    tub    propiikcy. 


166 


flho  gtiTO  MisR  do  Iliildtmar  to  understand  that  was  tho  courso  inteudoU  to  bo 
pursued.  • 

In  a  momunt  tho  roMistanco  of  tho  latter  consud.  Sho  ut  onc»  recognised  tho 
youn);  Indian  \^'uinan  whom  hur  cousin  had  rescued  iVoni  dcalli :  and  aware,  aH 
hIio  was,  of  the  strong  attachment  that  had  sul)s«)(|ucntl  v  liound  her  to  her  pre- 
server, she  was  at  no  loss  to  iniderstand  how  shu  might  have  been  led  to  de- 
vote herself  to  tlie  roHcuu  of  one  whom,  il  wau  probable,  she  knew  to  be  his 
aUianced  wife.  Once,  indeed,  a  suspit-.ion  of  a  dillerent  natine  crossi'd  her 
mind ;  for  tho  thought  occurred  to  her  she  had  only  been  saved  from  the  gen- 
eral doom  to  bo  made  the  victim  of  private  revenge — that  it  was  only  to  glut  the 
jealous  vengeance  of  the  woman  at  a  more  deliberate  hour,  she  IkuI  been  made 
u  temporary  captive.  'J'he  apprehension,  however,  was  no  sooner  fornu'd  than 
oxtinguisheil.  Bitterly,  deeply  as  sho  had  reason  to  abhor  tho  tieiuhery  and 
cunning  of  the  dark  race  to  which  her  captor  belonged,  there  was  an  expres- 
sion of  openness  and  sincerity,  and  even  imploringness,  in  (he  counlenuiice  of 
Oucanasta,  which,  added  to  her  former  knowledge  of  tlie  woman,  at  once  set 
this  tear  at  rest,  inducing  her  to  look  upon  her  rather  in  the  character  of  a  dls- 
intereste<l  savior,  than  in  that  of  a  cruel  and  vindictive  enemy,  goaded  on  to 
tho  indulgence  of  malignant  hato  by  a  spirit  of  rivalry  and  revenge.  IJesides, 
ovon  were  her  cruelest  fears  to  bo  realised,  what  could  await  her  worse  than 
the  past  1  If  sho  could  even  .succeed  in  getting  away,  it  would  onl}'  bo  (o  re- 
t>n'n  upon  certain  death  ;  and  death  only  coidd  await  her,  however  rcilined  tho 
tortures  accompanying  its  ialliction,  in  tho  event  of  her  (piietly  following  and 
yielding  herself  up  to  tho  g  lidanco  of  "ne  who  ollerefl  this  slight  consolation, 
at  least,  that  she  was  ono  of  her  own  sex.  IJut  Miss  do  Ijflaldiniar  was  willing 
to  attribute  more  generous  n  olives  to  tho  Indian;  and  fortilieil  in  her  lirst 
impression,  she  signilled  by  signs,  that  seemed  to  be  perfectly  intelligible  to 
her  companion,  she  appreciated  her  friendly  intentions,  and  confided  wholly 
in  her. 

No  longer  checked  in  her  cHbrts,  OucanaHta  now  directed  her  course  towards 
the  wood,  still  holding  the  thong  that  remained  attaclied  to  Mi.ss  do  llaldimar'.s 
waist,  probably  with  a  view  to  dccoivo  any  individuals  from  tho  villages  on 
whom  they  might  chance  to  fall,  into  tho  belief  that  tho  Knglish  girl  was  in 
reality  her  prisoner.  No  sooner,  however,  had  thov  entered  the  depths  of  tho 
forest,  when,  instead  of  following  tho  path  that  led  to  Chabouiga,  Oucanasta 
took  a  direction  to  tho  left,  and  then  moving  noarly  on  a  parallel  Imo  with  tho 
course  of  tho  hike,  continued  her  flight  as  rapidly  as  tho  rudo  nature  of  tho 
imderwood,  and  tho  impractiscd  feet  of  her  companion,  would  permit.  Thoy 
had  travelled  in  this  manner  for  upwards  of  four  hours,  without  meeting  a 
breathing  thing,  oi  even  so  much  as  exchanging  a  sound  between  themselves, 
when,  at  length,  the  Indian  stopped  at  tho  edge  of  u  deep  cavern-like  excava- 
tion in  the  earth,  produced  by  tho  tearing  up,  by  tho  wild  tempest,  of  an  enor- 
mous pine.  Into  this  she  <le8ceudetl,  and  presently  ro-ai)peared  with  several 
blankets,  and  two  light  painted  paddles.  Then  unloosing  the  thong  from  tho 
waist  of  tho  exhausted  girl,  sho  proceeded  to  disguise  her  in  one  of  the  blankets 
in  tho  maimer  already  shown,  securing  it  over  the  head,  throat,  and  shoulders 
with  the  badge  of  cajitivity,  now  no  longer  necessary  for  her  purpose.  Sho 
then  struck  olf  at  right  angles  from  the  course  they  hail  previously  pursued  ; 
and  in  less  than  twenty  minutes  both  stood  on  the  lake  shore,  appari'utly  at  a  great 
distance  from  the  point  whence  they  had  originally  set  out.  Tlie  Indian  gaze<l 
for  a  nionu'ut  anxiously  before  her;  and  then,  with  an  exclamation,  evidently 
meant  to  convty  a  sense  of  pleasure  and  s;-tis(iiction,  pointed  forward  u|ion  the 
lake.  Miss  d>  llaldimar  iidloued,  with  eager  and  aching  eyes,  (he  ijircction 
of  liiT  (in!!!')',  !ui(l  hrlii'ld  the  well  known  seliooni'i'  evidenlly  ur;j,ing  her  (ligiit 
towards  liic  in MMiK^' of  liie  Siiu'lair.  Oh,  how  lur  sick  heart  sii'nu'ii  ready 
to  burst  at  iha..  uio'.iieiiL!  From  tlie  vessel  siio  liirne.l  Iitr  (yes  away  upon  the 
dislanL  shore,  wiiich  ii  wa-;  I'asi  (|iiitting,  and  beheld  a  coiinnu  of  mingled  llanie 
ami  s;r.ol..:  low.  y\]<.y  \'.  v  aivjsv  llic  1i</j':/.m:i,  -.v.ul  idtesting  (ho  universal  wrwk 


166 


waoousta;    or,   the    propiieov, 


of  what  had  so  long  been  endeared  to  her  as  her  home.  And  Bho  had  wit- 
nesseil  all  this,  and  yet  had  strength  to  survive  it ! 

The  courage  of  the  unhappy  girl  had  hitherto  been  sustained  by  no  effort 
of  volition  of  her  own.  From  the  moment  when,  discovering  a  friend  in  Ou- 
canasta,  she  had  yielded  herself  unresistingly  to  the  guidance  of  that  generous 
creature,  her  feelings  had  been  characterised  by  an  obttisencss  strongly  in 
contrast  with  the  high  excitement  that  had  distinguished  her  previous  man- 
ner. A  dreamy  recollection  of  some  past  horror,  it  is  true  pursued  her  dur- 
ing her  rapid  and  speechless  flight ;  but  any  analysis  of  the  causes  conducing 
to  that  horror,  her  subjugated  faculties  were  unable  to  enter  upon.  She  had 
followed  her  conductor  almost  without  consciousness,  and  with  such  deep  ab- 
sorption of  spirit,  that  she  neither  once  conjectured  whither  they  were  going, 
nor  what  was  to  be  the  final  issue  of  their  flight.  But  now,  when  she  stood 
on  the  lake  shore,  suddenly  awakened,  ns  if  by  some  startling  spell,  to  every 
harrowing  recollection,  and  with  her  attention  assisted  by  objects  long  en- 
deared, and  rendered  familiar  to  her  gaze — when  she  beheld  the  vessel  that 
had  last  borne  her  across  the  still  bosom  of  the  Huron,  fleeing  for  ever  from 
the  fortress  where  her  arrival  had  been  so  joyously  hailed — when  she  saw 
that  fortress  itself  presenting  the  hideous  spectacle  of  a  blackened  mass  of 
ruins  fast  crumbling  into  nothingness,  a  faintncss,  as  of  death,  came  over  her, 
and  she  sank  without  life  on  the  beach.  Of  what  passed  afterwards,  she  had 
no  recollection.  She  neither  knew  how  she  had  got  into  the  canoe,  nor  what 
means  the  Indian  had  taken  to  .secure  her  approach  to  the  schooner.  She  had 
no  consciousness  of  havmg  been  removed  to  the  Ijark  of  the  Canadian,  nor 
did  she  even  remember  having  risen  and  gaz.ed  through  the  foliage  on  the 
vessel  at  her  side ;  but  she  presumed,  the  chill  air  of  the  morning  having 
partially  restored  pulsation,  she  had  moved  instinctively  from  her  recumbent 
position  to  the  spot  in  which  bar  spectre-like  countenance  had  been  perceived 
by  Fuller.  The  first  moment  of  her  returning  reason  was  that  when,  stand- 
ing on  the  deck  of  the  .schooner,  she  found  herself  so  unexpectedly  clasped  to 
the  heart  of  her  lover. 

Twilight  had  entirely  passed  away  when  Miss  de  Ilaldimar  completed  her 
sad  narrative ;  and  already  the  crew,  rou.sed  to  exertion  by  the  swelling 
breezCj  were  onco  more  engaged  in  weighing  the  anchor,  and  setting  and 
trirammg  the  sails  of  the  schooner,  which  latter  ,soon  beg,m  to  shoot  roimd 
the  concealing  headland  into  the  opening  of  the  Sinclair,  A  deathlike  silence 
prevailed  throughout  the  decks  of  the  little  bark,  as  her  bows,  dividing  the 
waters  of  the  basin  that  formed  its  source,  graduall)'  immerged  into  the  cur- 
rent of  that  deep  but  narrow  river ;  so  narrow,  indeed,  that  from  its  centre 
the  least  active  of  the  mariners  might  have  leaped  without  difficulty  to  either 
shore.  This  was  the  most  critical  part  of  the  dangerous  navigation.  With 
a  wide  seaboard,  and  full  command  of  their  helm,  they  had  nothing  to  fear  ; 
but  so  limited  was  the  passage  of  this  river,  it  was  with  difficulty  the  yards 
and  masts  of  the  schooner  could  be  kept  disengaged  from  the  projecting 
boughs  of  the  dense  forest  that  lined  the  adjacent  shores  to  their  very  junc- 
tion with  the  water.  The  darkness  of  the  night,  moreover,  while  it  promised 
to  shield  them  from  the  observation  of  the  savages,  contributed  greatly  to 
perplex  their  movements ;  for  such  was  the  abruptness  with  which  the  river 
wound  itself  round  in  various  directions,  that  it  required  a  ma  .  constantly 
on  the  alert  at  the  bows  to  apprise  the  helmsman  of  the  course  he  should 
eteer,  to  avoid  collision  vdth  the  shores.  Canopies  of  weaving  branches  met 
in  various  directions  far  above  their  heads,  and  through  these  the  schooner 

flided  with  a  silence  that  might  have  called  up  the  idea  of  a  Stygian  freight, 
leanwhile,  the  men  stood  to  their  guns,  concealing  the  matches  in  their  wai-- 
buckets  as  before ;  and  while  they  strained  both  ear  anfl  eye  through  the 
surrounding  gloom  to  discover  the  slightest  evidence  of  danger,  grasped  the 
handles  of  their  cutlasses  with  a  firm  hand,  ready  to  unsheathe  them  at  the 
first  intimation  of  alarm. 


wacoiista;    or,   the    prophect. 


161 


At  the  suRRostion  of  the  Ixjatswnin,  who  hinted  at  the  necessity  of  having 
cleared  decks,  Captain  do  Haldiinar  had  prevailed  on  his  unfortunate  relatives 
to  retire  to  the  siimll  cabin  arranged  for  thoir  reception  ;  and  hero  they  were 
attended  by  an  aged  female,  who  had  long  followed  the  fortunes  of  the  croWj 
flwl  acted  in  the  twofold  character  of  laundress  and  sempstress,  lie  himself, 
with  Sir  Everard,  continued  on  deck  watching  the  progress  of  the  ves,sel  with 
an  anxiety  that  became  more  intense  at  each  suaieeding  hour.  Hitherto  their 
course  had  biin  unimpeded,  save  by  the  obstacles  already  enumerated ;  and 
they  had  now,  at  an  hour  before  dawn,  gained  a  point  that  promised  a  speedy 
tcrmiimlion  to  their  diiufrer  and  perplexities.  Before  them  lay  a  reach  in 
the  rivei',  enveloped  in  move  than  ordinary  gloom,  produced  by  the  continuous 
weaving  of  the  tops  of  the  overhanging  trees  ;  and  in  the  perspective,  a  gleam 
of  relieving  light,  denoting  the  near  vicinity  of  the  lake  that  lay  at  the  oppo- 
site extremity  of  the  Sinclair,  whose  name  it  also  bore.  This  was  the  nar- 
rowest i)art  of  the  river;  and  so  approximate  were  its  shores,  that  the  vessel 
in  her  course  could  not  fail  to  come  in  contact  both  with  the  obtruding  foliage 
of  the  forest  and  the  dense  bulrushes  skirting  the  edge  of  either  bank. 

"If  wcgut  safe  through  this  here  place,"  said  the  boatswain,  in  n  rough 
whisper  to  his  anxious  and  attentive  auditors,  "  I  think  as  how  I'll  venture 
to  answer  for  the  craft.  I  can  see  daylight  dancing  upon  the  lake  already. 
Ten  minutes  more  and  she  will  be  there."  Then  turning  to  the  man  at  the 
helm, — '•  Keep  her  in  tlie  centre  of  the  stream,  Jim.  Don't  you  see  you're 
hugging  the  weather  shore  ?" 

"  It  would  take  the  devil  himself  to  tell  which  is  the  centre,"  growled  the 
sailor,  in  the  same  suppressed  tone.  "  One  might  steer  with  one's  eyes  shut 
in  such  a  queer  place  as  this,  and  never  be  no  worser  off  than  with  them  open." 

"  Steady  her  helm,  steady,"  rejoined  MuUins,  '•  it's  as  dark  as  pitch,  to  be 
sure,  but  the  passage  is  straight  as  an  arrow,  and  with  a  steady  helm  you 
can't  miss  it.    Make  for  the  light  ahead." 

"  Abaft  there  !"  hurriedly  and  loudly  shouted  the  man  on  the  look-out  at 
the  bows,  "  there's  a  tree  lying  across  the  river,  and  we're  just  upon  it." 

While  ho  yet  spoke,  and  before  the  boatswain  could  give  such  instructions 
as  the  emergency  required,  the  vessel  suddenly  struck  against  the  obstacle  in 
question  ;  but  the  concussion  was  not  of  the  vioient  nature  that  might  have 
been  anticipated.  The  (lourse  of  the  schooner,  at  no  one  period  particularly 
rapid,  had  been  considerably  checked  since  her  entrance  into  the  gloomy  arch, 
in  the  centre  of  which  her  present  accident  had  occurred ;  so  that  it  was 
tvithout  immediate  injury  to  her  hull  and  spars  she  had  been  thus  suddenly 
brought  to.  But  this  was  not  the  most  alarming  part  of  the  affair.  Captain 
de  Ilaldimar  and  Sir  Everard  both  recollected,  that  in  making  the  same  pas- 
sage, not  forty-eight  hours  previously,  they  had  encountered  no  obstacle  of 
the  kind,  and  a  misgiving  of  danger  rose  simultaneously  to  the  hearts  of  each. 
It  was,  however,  a  thing  of  too  common  occurrence,  where  storm  and  tempest 
were  so  prevalent  and  partial,  to  create  more  than  a  mere  temporary  alarm  ; 
for  it  was  quite  as  probable  the  barrier  had  been  interposed  by  some  fitful 
outburst  of  nature^  as  that  it  arose  from  design  on  the  part  of  their  enemies : 
and  when  the  vessel  had  continued  stationary  for  some  minutes,  without  the 
prepared  and  expectant  crew  discovering  the  slightest  indication  of  attack, 
the  former  impression  was  preserved  by  the  officers — at  least  avowedly  to 
those  around. 

"  Bear  a  hand,  my  lad.s,  and  cut  away,"  at  length  ordered  the  boatswain, 
in  a  low  but  clear  tone ;  "  half  a  dozen  at  each  end  of  the  stick,  and  we  shall 
soon  clear  a  passage  for  the  craft." 

A  dozen  sailors  grasped  their  axes,  and  hastened  forward  to  execute  the 
command.  They  sprang  lightly  from  the  entangled  bows  of  the  schooner,  and 
diverging  in  equal  numbers  moved  to  either  extremity  of  the  fallen  tree. 

"  This  is  sailing  through  the  heart  of  the  American  forest  with  a  vengeance," 
muttered  Mullins,  whose  annojance  at  their  detention  was  strongly  manifest- 


IM 


waoouita;  or,  the  prophkoy, 


«d  Bfl  ho  pniwd  up  nnrt  down  the  dock.  ''Shiver  my  topsails,  if  it  isn't  bad 
enough  to  clear  the  Sinclair  at  any  tiino,  mudi  moro  ko  when  one's  running 
for  one's  lil'n,  and  not  a  wiiispcr's  length  from  one's  enemies.  Do  you  know, 
Captain,"  abruptly  clieekinp  his  movement,  and  familiarly  plucinii;  his  hand  on 
the  shoulder  of  be  HiiUlimar,  ''  the  la.st  time  wo  sailed  tliro»ip;h  tliis  very 
rcaeh  I  couldn't  help  telling  poor  Captain  Danvors,  (lod  rest  his  soid,  what  a 
nice  spot  it  was  for  an  Ingian  ambuscade,  if  they  had  only  gumption  enough 
thiidc  of  it." 

"  Hiirk  !"  said  the  officer,  whose  heart,  eye,  and  ear  were  painfully  on  the 
alert.  "  what  nistlinj;  is  that  we  hear  ovcrheiul  ?" 

"  It's  Jnek  Kulk'r,  no  doubt,  yoiu-  honor  ;  I  sent  him  up  to  clear  away  the 
branches  fron>  the  main  topmast  rippring."  Then  raising  his  head,  and  el«- 
Vfttiuj;  his  voice,  •"  Ililloa  !  aloft  there  !" 

The  only  answer  was  a  groan,  followed  by  a  deeper  commotion  among  the 
nistling  foliiij; '. 

"Why,  what  the  devil'.s  the  matter  with  you  now,  Jack?"  pursued  the 
boalswiiin,  in  a  voice  of  angry  vohemcuce.  "Arc  yo  scared  at  another  ghost, 
that  ye  kecf)  groaning  there  after  that  fashion  ?" 

At  that  moment  a  heavy  dull  mass  was  heard  tumbling  through  the  upper 
rigging  of  the  scliooiiei'  towards  the  deck,  and  presently  a  human  form  fell  at 
the  very  (eet  of  the  small  group,  composed  of  the  two  officers  and  the  indivi- 
dual who  had  last  sjiokin. 

"  A  li;:lit,  a  light !"  shouted  tlie  lioat.swain  ;  "the  foolish  ch.ip  has  lost  his 
hold  through  I'ear,  and  ten  to  one  if  he  hasn't  cracked  his  skull-piece  for  his 
pains.     Quick  there  with  a  light,  and  let's  see  what  wo  can  do  for  him." 

The  attention  of  all  hiul  been  arrested  by  the  sound  of  the  falling  weight, 
and  as  one  of  the  sailors  now  advanced,  bearing  a  dark  lantern  fiom  below, 
the  whole  of  the  erew,  with  tho,  excei)tiou  of  those  employed  on  the  fallen  tree, 
gatherufl  tin  mselves  in  a  knot  round  the  motionless  form  of  the  jn'ostrate  man. 
15ut  no  sooner  had  their  eyes  encountered  the  object  of  their  interest,  when 
each  individual  started  suddenly  and  involuntarily  back,  baring  his  cutlass, 
and  drawing  forth  his  pistol,  the  whole  presenting  a  group  of  countenances 
strongly  marked  by  various  shades  of  consternation  and  alarm,  even  while 
their  attitudes  were  those  of  men  prepared  for  some  fierce  and  desperate 
danger.  It  was  indeed  Fuller  whom  they  bohcld,  but  not  laboring,  a.s  the 
boatswain  had  imagined,  under  the  mere  inHuence  oi  npcrstitious  fear.  He 
was  dead,  and  the  blood  flowing  fiom  a  deep  wound,  inflicted  by  a  sharp  in- 
strument in  his  chest,  and  the  scalped  head,  too  plainly  told  the  manner  of 
Ills  death,  and  the  danger  that  awaited  them  all. 

A  pause  ensued,  but  it  was  short.  Before  any  one  could  find  words  to  re- 
mark on  the  liorrible  circumstances,  the  appalling  war-cry  of  the  savages 
burst  loudly  from  every  quarter  upon  the  ears  of  the  devoted  crew.  In  the 
desperation  of  the  moment,  several  of  tho  men  clutched  their  cutlasses  be- 
tween their  teeth,  and  seizing  the  concealed  matches,  rushed  to  their  reepec- 
tivc  stations  at  the  guns.  It  was  in  vain  the  boatswain  called  out  to  them,  in 
a  voice  of  stern  authority,  to  desist,  intimating  that  their  only  protection  lay 
in  the  reservation  of  the  fire  of  their  batteries.  Goaded  and  excited,  beyond 
the  power  of  resistance  to  an  impulse  that  set  all  subordination  at  defiance, 
they  applie<l  the  matches,  and  aJmost  at  tho  same  instant  the  terrific  dis- 
charge of  both  broadsides  took  place,  rocking  the  vessel  to  the  water's  edge, 
and  reverberating,  throughout  the  confined  space  in  which  she  lay,  like  the 
deadly  explosion  of  some  deeply  excavated  mine. 

Scarcely  had  the  guns  been  fired,  when  the  seamen  became  sensible  of  their 
imprudence.  The  echoes  were  yet  struggling  to  force  a  passage  through  the 
dense  forest,  when  a  second  yell  of  the  Indians  announced  the  fiercest  joy  and 
triumph,  unmixed  by  disaster,  at  the  result;  and  then  the  quick  leapmg  of 
many  forms  could  be  heard,  as  they  divided  the  crashing  underwood,  and 
rushed  forward  to  close  with  their  prey.    It  was  evident,  from  tlie  diflference 


waoouita;  or,  the  i'kopuecy. 


l&O 


of  sound,  thi'ir  fIrHt  cry  hod  Ixien  poalwl  forth  wliilo  lyinj;  pro.stnito  on  tho 
(P'ound,  and  Hccuro  from  thu  ImllutH,  vvIkimo  ImnuIcHS  diHclmrfro  that  cry  woa 
intended  to  provoku ;  for  now  tho  voices  sfcmi'ti  to  iIkc  i»ri);;rcsMiv('ly  Iron;  tho 
earth,  until  ttioy  rviuiiiud  the  level  of  emit  iudiviiiuMi  lioii^iit.  and  wurc  ulrcudy 
almost  hotly  hrcathing  in  the  eartt  of  those  they  were  dcHtined  to  llll  with  11- 
limituhle  dismay. 

"  Shiver  my  top.sailH,  but  thisconicH  ofiilHobuyin;;  ordirs,"  roared  the  boat- 
swain, in  a  voice  of  mingletl  aui^er  and  vo.satioii.  '*  Tiie  (iiv.iiins  are  i|uilo  as 
cunnluf];  as  ourselves,  and  arn't  to  be  frijihted  that  way.  t^iiick,  i  very  eiitlasa 
and  pistol  to  his  f^anRway.  and  let's  f|o  our  best,  I'us.s  tlie  word  forward  for 
tho  axemen  to  return  to  tlieir  ciuarter.-J," 

Recovered  from  their  first  j)aro.\ysm  of  alarm,  th<'  men  at  hnijth  became 
sensible  of  tho  jirescnco  of  a  directing?  ixtwcr,  which,  huinbic!  as  it  was,  their 
long  habits  of  (li-icipline  had  taught  them  to  respect,  and,  headed  on  the  cme 
side  by  Captain  ile  Ilaldimar,  and  on  the  other  by  Sir  Everai'd  Valletort, 
neither  of  whom,  however,  entertained  the  most  remote  chance  of  success, 
llow,  as  commanded,  to  their  respective  ,u;;mj;ways.  'llic  yd!  oi  the  Indians 
had  cca.sed,  and  all  was  hushed  into  stillness  ;  but  as  the  uii.xiotis  and  (|uick- 
sighted  olllcers  f;a/.e<l  over  the  bulwarks,  tliey  f.iucied  tlicvcduM  inicclve, even 
through  the  <leep  |z;!oom  that  every  where  jtrevaiied,  the  ('(inns  of  men,  resting 
in  cautious  and  eii;^er  attitudes,  on  the  very  wv^a  of  lli';  banks,  and  at  a  dis- 
tance of  little  more  than  half  pistol  shot.  Hvery  heart  i)cat  with  c.\p"<;tancy, 
— every  eye  was  I'ivetcd  intently  in  front,  to  watch  aivl  meet  the  lirst  move- 
ments of  their  foes,  but  not  a  sound  of  approiuh  was  audii)le  to  the  eijually 
attentive  ear.  In  this  state  of  aching  suspciff-e  tliey  mi,i;lit  have  coiilinueJ 
about  five  minutes,  when  suddenly  their  hearts  were  made  to  f|uail  by  a  third 
cry,  that  came,  not  as  previously,  from  tho  banks  of  the  river,  but  iVom  tho 
very  centre  of  their  own  decks,  and  from  the  topmast  imtl  ri^ijiinp;  of  tho 
schooner.  .Si)  suddden  and  miexpected  too  was  this  froili  (iany^er,  that  before 
tho  two  j);n(ieq  liiul  time  to  turn,  and  assmne  a  new  ))osture  of  defence,  seve- 
ral of  them  ha/J  already  fallen  under  the  butcherin;?  blades  of  their  enemies. 
Then  commenced  a  desperate  but  short  contlict,  miny:led  with  j'ellmgs,  that 
again  were  answered  from  every  point ;  and  rapidly  gliding  down  the  pendant 
ropes,  were  to  be  .seen  the  active  and  dusky  forms  of  n\cn,  swelling  the  num- 
ber of  assailants,  who  had  gained  the  deck  in  the  .same  noiseless  manner,  until 
resistance  became  almost  hopeless. 

"  Ila !  I  hear  tho  footsteps  of  our  lads  at  last,"  exclaimed  MuUins  exult- 
ingly  to  his  comrades,  as  he  finished  despatching  a  third  savage  with  his 
sturdy  weapon.     "  Quick,  men,  (juick,  up  with  hatchet  and  cutlass,  and  take 

them  in  tho  rear.     If  we  are  to  die,  let's  die "  game,  he  would  perhaps 

have  added,  but  death  arrested  the  word  on  his  lips ;  and  his  corpse  rolled 
along  the  deck  until  its  further  progress  was  stopped  bj^  the  stilfened  body  of 
the  unhappy  Fuller. 

Notwithstanding  the  fall  of  their  bravo  leader,  and  tho  whoopings  of  their 
enemies,  the  liagging  spirits  of  the  men  were  for  a  moment  excited  by  tho,  an- 
nouncement of  the  return  even  of  the  small  force  of  tho  axemen,  and  they 
defended  themselves  with  a  courage  and  determination  worthy  of  a  bctt<i 
result ;  but  when,  by  the  lurid  light  of  the  torches,  now  lying  burning  about 
the  decks,  they  turned  and  beheld  not  their  companions,  but  a  fresh  band  of 
Indians,  at  whose  pouch  belts  dangled  the  reeking  scalps  of  their  murdered 
Iriends,  they  at  once  relinquished  the  combat  as  hopeless,  and  gave  themselves 
unresitingly  to  be  bound  by  their  captors. 

Meanwhile  the  cousins  experienced  a  renewal  of  a^  those  horrors  from 
which  their  distracted  mmds  had  been  temporarily  lelieved;  and,  petrified 
with  alarm,  as  they  lay  in  the  solitary  berth  that  contained  them  both,  en- 
dured sufferings  infinitely  more  terrible  than  death  itself.  The  early  part  of 
the  tumult  they  had  noticed  almost  without  comprehending  its  cause,  and  but 
for  the  terriiic  cry  of  the  Indians  that  had  preceded  them,  would  have  mistar 


' 


160 


wacousta;  or,  tie  prophecy. 


ken  the  deafening  broodsidea  for  the  blowing  up  of  the  vessel,  so  tremendous 
and  violent  had  been  the  concussion.  Nay,  there  was  a  moment  when  Miss 
de  Ilaldimar  felt  a  pang  of  deep  disappointment  and  regret  at  the  misconcep- 
tion :  lor,  with  the  fearful  recollection  of  past  events,  so  strongly  impressed  on 
her  bleeding  heart,  she  could  not  but  acknowledge,  that  to  be  engulfed  in  one 
general  and  disastrous  explosion,  was  mercy  compared  with  the  alternative 
of  falling  into  the  hands  of  those  to  whom  her  loathing  spirit  had  been  too 
fatally  taught  to  deny  even  the  commonest  attributes  of  hum!mitJ^  As  for 
Clara,  she  had  not  the  power  to  think,  or  to  form  a  conjecture  on  the  subject : 
ehe  was  merely  sensible  of  a  repetition  of  the  horrible  scenes  from  which  she 
had  so  recently  been  snatched,  and  with  a  pale  cheek,  a  fixed  eye,  and  an  al- 
most pulseless  heart,  lay  .rithout  motion  in  the  inner  side  of  the  berth.  The 
piteous  spectacle  of  her  cousin's  alarm  lent  a  forced  activity  to  the  despair  of 
Miss  de  Haldimar,  in  whom  apprehension  produced  that  strong  energy  of 
excitement  that  sometimes  gives  to  helplessness  the  character  of  true  courage. 
With  the  increasing  clamor  of  appalling  conflict  on  deck,  this  excitement  grew 
at  every  moment  stronger,  until  it  finally  became  irrepressible,  so  that  at 
length,  when  through  the  cabin  windows  there  suddenly  streamed  a  flood  of 
yellow  light,  extinguishing  that  of  the  lamp  that  threw  its  flickering  beams 
around  the  cabin,  she  flung  herself  impetuously  from  the  berth,  and,  despite 
of  the  aged  and  trembling  female  who  attempted  to  detain  her,  burst  open 
the  narrow  entrance  to  the  cabin,  and  rushed  up  the  steps  communicating 
with  the  deck. 

The  picture  that  there  met  her  eyes  was  at  once  graphic  and  fearful  in  the 
extreme.  On  either  side  of  the  river,  lines  of  streaming  torches  were  waved 
by  dusky  warriors  high  above  their  heads,  reflecting  the  grim  countenances, 
not  only  of  those  who  bore  them,  but  of  dense  groups  in  their  rear,  whose 
numbers  were  alone  concealed  by  the  foliage  of  the  forest  in  which  they  stood. 
From  the  branches  that  wove  themselves  across  the  centre  of  the  river,  and 
the  topmast  and  rigging  of  the  vessel,  the  same  strong  yellow  light,  produced 
bj"  the  bark  of  the  birch  tree  steeped  in  gum,  streamed  down  upon  the  decks 
below,  rendering  each  line  and  block  of  the  schooner  as  distinctly  visible  as  if 
it  had  been  noon  on  the  sunniest  of  those  far  distant  lakes.  The  deck  itself 
was  covered  with  the  bodies  of  slain  men — sailors  and  savages  mixed  togeth- 
er ;  and  amid  these  were  to  be  seen  fierce  warriors,  reclining  triumphantly 
and  indolently  on  their  rifles,  while  others  were  occupied  in  securing  the  arms 
of  their  captives  with  leathern  thongs  behind  their  backs.  The  silence  that 
now  prevailed  was  strongly  in  contrast  with,  and  even  more  fearful  than,  the 
horrid  shouts  by  which  it  had  been  preceded ;  and,  but  for  the  ghastly  coun- 
tenances of  the  captives,  and  the  quick  rolling  eyes  of  the  savages,  Miss  de 
Haldimar  might  have  imagined  herself  the  sport  of  some  extraordinary  and 
exciting  illusion.  Her  glance  over  these  prominent  features  in  the  tragedy 
had  been  cursory,  yet  accurate.  It  now  rested  on  one  that  had  more  imme- 
diate and  terrifying  interest  for  herself.  At  a  few  paces  in  front  of  the  com- 
panion ladder,  and  with  their  backs  turned  towards  her,  stood  two  individuals, 
whose  attitudes  denoted  the  purpose  of  men  resolved  to  sell  with  their  lives 
alone  a  passage  to  a  taJl  fierce-looking  savage,  whose  countenance  betrayed 
every  mark  of  triumphant  and  deadly  passion,  v.  hile  he  apparently  hesitated 
whether  his  uplifted  arm  should  stay  the  weapon  it  wielded.  These  individ- 
uals were  Captain  de  Haldimar  and  Sir  Everard  Valletort ;  and  to  the  former 
of  those  the  attention  of  the  savage  was  more  immedicitely  and  exultingly 
directt'd  ;  so  much  so,  indeed,  that  Miss  do  Haldimar  thought  she  could  read 
in  the  ferocious  expression  of  his  features  the  death-warrant  of  her  cousin. 
In  the  wild  terror  of  the  moment  she  gave  a  piercing  scream  that  was  answer- 
ed by  a  hundred  yelling  voices,  and  rushing  between  her  lover  and  his  enemy 
threw  herself  wildly  and  supplicatingly  at  the  feet  of  the  latter.  Uttering  a 
savage  laugh,  the  monster  spurned  her  from  him  with  his  foot,  when,  quick 
AS  thought,  a  pistol  was  discharged  within  a  few  inches  of  his  face ;  but,  with 


W  A  C  O  II  8  T  A 


OR,     T  II  K     P  K  O  P  H  E  C  Y 


161 


a  rapidity  equal  to  thct  of  his  assailant,  ho  bont  aside  his  head,  and  the  ball 
passed  harmlessly  on.  The  yell  that  followed  was  terrific ;  and  while  it  was 
yet  swelling  into  fullness,  Captain  de  Haldiniar  felt  an  iron  hand  fliriousljr 
grappling  his  throat,  and,  ere  the  grnsp  was  relinquished,  he  again  stood  the 
bound  and  passive  victim  of  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis. 


CHAPTER  XXIV.  ,, 

The  internal  that  succeeded  to  the  last  council  scene  of  the  Indians  was 
passed  by  the  officers  of  Detroit  in  a  state  of  inexpressible  anxiety  and  doubt. 
The  fears  entertained  for  the  fate  of  their  companions,  who  had  set  out  in  the 
perilous  and  almost  forlorn  hppe  of  reaching  Michillimackinac,  in  time  to  pre- 
vent the  consummation  of  the  threatened  treachery,  had,  in  some  de9;ree,  if 
not  wholly,  been  allayed  by  the  story  narrated  by  the  Ottawa  chief.  It  was 
evident,  from  his  statement,  the  party  had  again  met,  and  been  engaged  in 
fearful  struggle  with  the  gigantic  warrior  they  had  all  so  much  reason  to  re- 
collect ;  and  it  was  equally  apparent,  that  in  that  struggle  they  had  been  suc- 
cessful. But  still,  so  many  obstacles  were  likely  to  be  opposed  to  their 
navigation  of  the  several  lakes  and  rivers  over  which  lay  their  course,  it  was 
almost  feared,  even  if  they  eventually  escaped  unharmed  themselves,  they 
could  not  possibly  reach  the  fort  in  time  to  communicate  the  danger  that 
awaited  their  friends.  It  is  true,  the  time  gained  by  Governor  de  Haklimar 
on  the  first  occasion  had  aftbrded  a  coasiderable  interval,  of  which  advantage 
might  bo  taken ;  but  it  was  also,  on  the  other  hand,  uncertain  whether  Pon- 
teac  had  commanded  the  same  delay  in  the  council  of  the  chiefs  investing 
Michillimackinac,  to  which  he  had  himself  assented.  Three  days  were  suffi- 
cient to  enable  an  Indian  warrior  to  perform  the  journey  by  land  ;  and  it  was 
chiefly  on  this  vague  and  uncertr  in  ground  they  based  whatever  little  of  hope 
was  entertained  on  the  subject. 

It  had  been  settled  at  the  departure  of  tjio  adventurers,  that  the  instant 
they  eifected  a  communication  with  the  schooner  on  Lake  Huron,  Franfois 
should  be  immediately  sent  back,  with  instructions  so  to  contrive  the  period 
of  his  return,  that  his  canoe  should  make  its  appearance  soon  after  daybreak 
at  the  nearest  extremity  of  Hog  Island,  tiie  position  of  'sv'hich  has  been  de- 
scribed in  a  previous  chapter.  From  this  point  a  certain  signal,  that  could 
be  easily  distinguished  with  the  aid  of  a  telescope,  was  to  be  made  from 
the  canoe,  which,  without  being  of  a  nature  to  attract  the  attention  of  the 
savages,  was  yet  to  be  such  as  could  not  well  be  mistaken  by  the  garrison. 
This  was  a  precaution  adopted,  not  only  with  the  view  of  giving  the  earliest 
intimation  of  the  result  of  the  enterprise,  but  lest  the  Canadian  should  be 
prevented,  by  any  closer  investment  on  the  part  of  the  Indians,  from  com- 
municating personally  with  the  fort  in  the  way  he  had  been  accu.stoiaed. 

It  will  easily  be  comprehended,  therefore,  that  as  the  period  api.roached 
when  they  might  reasonably  look  for  the  return  of  Francois,  if  he  should  re- 
turn at  all,  the  nervous;  anxiety  of  the  officers  became  more  and  more  devel- 
oped. L^pwards  of  a  week  had  elapsed  since  the  departure  of  their  friends ; 
and  already,  for  the  hist  day  or  two,  their  impatience  had  led  them,  at  early 
dawn,  and  with  beating  hearts,  to  that  quarter  of  the  rampart  which  over- 
looke<i  the  eastern  extremity  of  Hog  Island.  Hitherto,  however,  their  eager 
watching  had  been  in  vain.  As  far  as  our  recollection  of  the  Canadian  tradi- 
tion of  this  story  serves  us.  it  must  have  been  on  the  fourth  night  after  the 
final  discomfiture  of  the  plans  of  Ponteac,  and  the  tenth  from  the  departure 
of  the  adventurers,  that  the  officers  were  asse.ablcd  in  the  mess-room,  partak- 
ing of  the  scanty  and  frugal  supper  to  which  their  long  confinement  had  re- 
duced them.  The  suojeot  of  their  conversation,  as  it  was  ever  of  their 
11 


102 


WACOUSTA 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY. 


thoughts,  was  the  probable  fate  of  their  companions ;  and  many  and  varioas, 
although  all  equally  melancholy,  were  the  conjectures  ottered  as  to  the  result. 
There  was  on  the  countenance  of  each,  that  deep  and  fixed  expression  of 
gloom,  which,  if  it  did  not  indicate  any  unmanlincss  of  despair,  told  at  leiigt 
that  hope  was  nearly  extinct :  but  more  especially  was  this  remarkable  in 
the  young  but  sadly  altered  Charles  de  Haldimar,  who.  with  a  vacant  eye 
and  a  prc-occupicd  manner,  seemed  wholly  abstracted  from  the  scene  before 
him. 

All  was  silence  in  the  body  of  the  fort.  The  men  oflF  duty  had  long  since 
retired  to  rest  in  their  clothes,  and  only  the  "  All's  well !"  of  the  .sentinels 
was  heard  at  intervals  of  a  quarter  of  an  hour,  as  the  cry  echoed  from  mouth 
to  mouth  in  the  line  of  circuit.  Suddenly,  however,  between  two  of  those 
intervals,  and  during  a  pause  in  the  languid  conversation  of  the  officers,  the  sharp 
challenge  of  a  sentinel  was  heard,  and  then  quick  steps  on  the  rampart,  as  of 
men  hastening  to  the  point  whence  the  challenge  had  been  given.  The  officers, 
whom  this  new  excitement  seemed  to  arQuae  into  fresh  activity,  hurriedly 
quitted  the  room ;  and  with  as  little  noise  as  possible,  gained  the  spot  where 
the  voice  had  been  heard.  Several  men  were  bending  eagerly  over  the  ram- 
part, and,  with  their  muskets  at  the  recover,  riveting  their  gaze  on  a  dark 
and  motionless  object  that  lay  on  the  verge  of  the  ditch  immediately  beneath 
them. 

"  What  have  you  here,  Mitchell  ?"  asked  Captain  Blessington.  who  was  ia 
command  of  the  guard,  and  who  had  recognised  the  gruff  voice  of  the  veteran 
in  the  challenge  just  given. 

"  An  American  burnt  log.  your  honor,"  muttered  the  soldier,  "  if  one  was 
to  judge  from  its  stillness  ;  but  if  it  is,  it  must  have  been  rolled  there  within 
the  last  minute  ;  for  I'll  take  my  affidavy  it  wasn't  there  when  I  passed  last 
in  my  beat." 

"  An  American  burnt  log,  indeed !  it's  some  rascal  of  a  spy,  rather,"  re- 
marked Captain  Erskine.  "  Who  knows  but  it  may  be  oiu-  big  friend,  come 
to  pay  us  a  visit  again '?  And  yet  he  is  not  half  long  enough  for  him,  either. 
Can't  you  trj'  and  tickle  him  with  the  bayonet,  any  of  you  fellows,  and  see 
whether  he  is  made  of  flesh  and  blood  ?" 

Although  this  observation  was  made  almost  without  object,  it  being  totally 
impossible  for  any  musket,  even  with  the  addition  of  its  bayonet,  to  reach 
more  than  half  way  across  the  ditch,  the  several  sentinels  threw  themselves 
on  their  chests,  and  stretching  over  the  rampart  iis  far  as  possible,  made  the 
attempt  to  reach  the  suspicious  looking  object  that  lay  beyond.  No  sooner, 
however,  had  their  arms  been  extended  in  such  a  raannur  as  to  be  utterly 
powerless,  when  the  dark  mass  was  seen  to  roll  away  in  an  opposite  direction, 
and  with  such  rapidity  that,  before  the  men  could  regain  their  feet  and  level 
their  muskets,  ic  had  entirely  disappeared  from  their  view. 

"  Cleverly  managed,  to  give  the  red  skin  his  due,"  half  laughingly  observed 
Captain  Erskine,  while  his  brother  officers  continued  to  fix  their  eyes  in 
astonishment  on  the  spot  so  recently  occupied  by  thu  strange  object^  "  but 
what  the  devil  could  be  his  motive  for  lying  there  so  long  ?  Not  playing  the 
eaves-dropper,  surely ;  and  yet,  if  he  meant  to  have  picked  oflP  a  sentinel,  what 
was  to  have  prevente<l  him  from  doing  it  sooner  ?" 

"  He  hiul  evidently  no  arms,"  said  Ensign  Delrae. 

"  No,  nor  legs  either,  it  would  appear,"  resumed  the  literal  Erskine.  "  Curse 
me  if  I  ever  saw  anything  in  the  shape  of  a  human  form  bundled  together 
in  that  manner." 

"  I  mean  he  had  no  lire-arms — no  rifle,"  pursued  Delme. 

'•  And  if  he  had.  he  (certainly  would  have  rifled  one  of  us  of  a  life,"  con- 
tinued the  captain.  Laughing  at  his  own  conceit.  "  But  come,  the  bird  is  flown, 
and  we  have  oi\ly  to  thank  ourselves  for  having  been  so  egregiously  duped. 
Had  Valletort  been  here,  he  would  have  given  a  different  account  of  him." 

"TILst!  listen!"  ixclaimed  Lieutenant  Johnstone,  calluig  the  attention  of 


wacovsta;    or,   the    fropheuy, 


ia$ 


the  party  to  a  peculiar  and  law  sound  in  the  direction  in  which  the  suppowd 
Indian  had  departed. 

It  was  repeated,  and  in  a  plaintive  tone,  indicating  a  desire  to  propitiate. 

Soon  afterwards  a  human  form  was  seen  advancing  slowly,  but  without  shpv 

'  either  of  concealment  or  hostility  in  its  movements.    It  finally  remained 

J  stationary  on  the  spot  where  the  dark  and  shapeless  mass  had  been  first  per* 

ceived. 

'•  Another  Oucanasta  for  Do  Haldimar,  no  doubt,"  observed  GaptaJB 
Erskine,  after  a  moment's  pause.  ''  These  grenadiers  cany  ovrything  before 
them  as  well  in  love  as  in  war."  The  crior  of  the  good-natiu"ed  officer  waa, 
however,  obvious  to  all  bi  '  himself.  The  figure,  which  was  now  distinctlr 
traced  in  outline  for  that  of  k  warrior,  stood  boldly  and  fearlessly  on  the  brink 
of  the  ditch,  holding  up  its  left  arm,  m  the  hand  of  which  dangled  something 
that  was  visible  in  the  starlight,  and  (winting  energetically  to  this  pendant 
object  with  the  other.  A  voice  from  one  of  the  party  now  addressed  the 
Indian  in  two  several  dialects,  but  without  eliciting  a  reply.  He  either  on* 
derstood  not,  or  would  not  answer  the  question  proposed,  but  continoed 
pointing  significantly  to  the  indistinct  object  which  he  still  held  in  an  elevated 
position.  / 

"  The  governor  must  oe  apprised  of  this,"  observed  Captain  Blessington  to 
De  Haldimar,  who  was  his  subaltern  of  the  guard.  "  Hasten,  Charles,  to  ac- 
quaint your  father,  and  receive  his  orders." 

The  young  officer  willingly  obeyed  the  injunction  of  his  superior.  A  bectet 
and  indefinable  hope  rushed  through  his  mind,  that  as  the  Indian  came  not  irt 
hostility,  he  might  be  the  bearer  of  some  communication  from  their  friends ; 
and  he  moved  rapidly  towards  that  part  of  the  br'ding  occupied  by  his  father. 

The  light  of  a  lamp  suspended  over  the  piazza  leading  to  the  govern<»*8 
rooms  reflecting  strongly  on  his  regimentals,  he  passed  unchallenged  by  the 
sentinels  posted  there,  and  uninterruptedly  gained  a  door  that  ojsened  on  a 
narrow  passage,  at  the  further  extremity  of  which  was  the  sitting-room  usually 
occupied  by  his  parent.  This  again  was  entered  from  the  same  passage  by  a 
second  door,  the  upper  part  of  which  was  of  common  glass,  enabling  any  one 
on  the  outside  to  trace  with  facility  every  object  within  when  the  place  was 
lighted  up. 

A  glance  was  sufficient  to  satisfy  the  youth  his  father  was  not  in  the  room ;  al- 
though there  was  strong  evidence  he  had  not  retired  for  the  night.  In  the  middle 
of  the  floor  stood  an  oaken  table,  and  on  this  lay  an  open  writing  desk,  with  a 
candle  on  each  side,  the  wicks  of  whicli  had  burnt  so  long  as  to  throw  a  partial 
gloom  over  the  surrounding  wainscotting.  Scattered  about  the  table  and  desk 
were  a  number  of  letters  that  had  apparently  been  ji  t  looked  at  or  read ;  and  in 
the  midst  of  these  an  open  cnw  i>f  red  morocco,  couiaining  a  miniature.  The 
appearance  of  these  letters,  thu,  left  scattered  About  by  one  who  was  scrupa- 
lously  exact  in  the  arrangement  ol  liis  pupors.  added  to  the  circmnstance  of 
the  neglected  and  burning  candles  onlirmod  the  young  officer  in  an  impres- 
sion that  his  father,  overcome  by  1;.  u'ue.  had  retired  into  his  bed-room-  and 
fallen  umconsciously  asleep.  Iinagin:  .  therefore,  he  could  not,  without  diffi- 
culty, succeed  in  making  himself  hcii  1.  and  deemuig  the  urgency  of  the  case 
required  it,  he  determined  to  wave  the  usual  ceremony  of  knocking,  and  pene- 
trate to  his  father's  bed-room  unannounced.  Tlie  glass  door  being  without 
fastening  within,  easily  yielded  to  his  presure  of  the  latch ;  but  as  he  passed  by 
the  table,  a  strong  and  natural  feeling  of  curiosity  induced  him  to  cast  his  eye 
upon  the  miniature.  To  his  infinite  surprise,  nay,  almost  terror,  he  discovered 
it  was  that  of  his  mother — the  identiciil  portrait  which  his  sister  Clara  had 
worn  in  her  bosom  from  iufancy,  tind  wliicii  he  had  seen  clasped  round  b«r 
\  neck  on  the  very  deck  of  the  schooner  in  Avhich  she  sailed  for  Michilliniackinac 

He  felt  there  could  l)e  no  uiistiike,  for  only  one  miniature  of  the  sort  had  ever 
been  in  possession  of  the  family,  and  that  the  one  just  accounted  for.  Almost 
stupitied  at  what  he  saw.  nud  s«Mn'oly  I'lcditiii;!  (be  evideui-o  of  his  senses,  tba 


164 


WACOCSTA 


O  R 


« 
T  H  IS 


PROPHBOY. 


young  officer  glanced  his  eye  hurriedly  along  one  of  the  open  letters  that  lay 
around.  It  was  in  the  well  rcnioinbered  hand-writing  of  his  mother,  and  com- 
menced, "  Dear,  dearest  Reginald.''^  After  this  followed  expressions  of  en- 
dearment no  woman  might  address  except  to  an  afl^nced  lover,  or  the  husband 
of  her  choice ;  and  his  heart  sickened  while  he  read.  Scarcely,  however,  had 
he  scanned  half  a  dozen  lines,  when  it  occured  to  him  he  was  violating  some 
secret  of  his  parents ;  and  discontinuing  the  perusal  with  an  effort,  he  prepared 
to  quit  himself  of  his  mission. 

On  raising  his  eyes  from  the  paper  he  was  startled  by  the  appearance  of  his 
father,  who,  with  a  stern  brow  and  a  quivering  lip,  stood  a  few  paces  I'rom  the 
table,  apparently  too  much  overcome  by  his  indignation  to  be  able  to  utter  a 
sentence.  Charles  de  Ilaldimar  felt  all  the  aWkwardness  of  his  position. 
Some  explanation  of  his  conduct,  however,  was  necessary ;  and  he  stammered 
forth  the  fact  of  the  portrait  having  riveted  his  attention,  from  its  striking  re- 
semblance to  that  in  his  sister's  possession. 

"  And  to  Avhat  do  these  letters  bear  resemblance  ?"  demanded  the  governor, 
in  a  voice  that  trembled  in  its  attempt  to  bo  calm,  while  he  fixed  his  penetrat- 
ing eye  on  that  of  his  son.  "  They,  it  appears,  were  equally  objects  of  attrac- 
tion with  ,you." 

"The  letters  were  in  the  hand-writing  of  my  mother;  and  I  was  irresistibly 
led  to  glance  at  one  of  them,"  replied  the  youth,  with  the  humility  of  conscious 
wrong.  "  The  action  was  involuntary,  and  no  sooner  committed  than  repented 
of.  I  am  hero,  my  father,  on  a  mission  of  importance,  which  must  account  for 
my  presence." 

"  A  mission  of  importance !"  repeated  the  governor,  with  more  of  sorrow 
than  of  anger  in  the  tone  in  which  he  now  spoke.  "  On  what  mission  are  you 
here,  if  it  be  not  to  intrude  unwurrantably  on  a  parent's  privacy  ?" 

The  young  olTicer's  cheek  flushed  high,  as  he  proudly  answered : — "  I  wass 
Bent  by  Captain  Blessington,  sir,  to  take  your  orders  in  regard  to  an  Indian 
who  is  now  without  the  fort  imder  somewhat  extraordinary  circumstances, 
yet  evidently  without  intention  of  hostility.  It  is  supposed  he  bears  some  mes- 
sage from  my  brother." 

The  tone  of  candor  and  offended  pride  in  which  this  formal  announcement 
of  duty  was  made  seemed  to  banish  all  suspicion  from  the  mind  of  the  govenor; 
and  he  remarked,  in  a  voice  that  had  more  of  the  kindness  that  had  latterly 
distinguished  his  address  to  his  son,  "Was  this,  then,  Charles,  the  only  motive 
for  your  abrupt  intrusion  at  this  hour  1  Are  you  sure  no  inducement  of  pri- 
vate curiosity  was  mixed  up  with  the  discharge  of  your  duty,  that  you  entered 
thus  unannounced  ?  You  must,  admit,  at  least,  I  found  you  employed  in  a 
manner  different  from  what  the  lu'gency  of  your  mission  would  seem  to  justify." 

There  was  lurking  irony  in  this  speech ;  yet  the  softened  accents  of  his 
father,  in  some  measure.  di.«armed  the  youth  of  the  bitterness  he  would  have 
flung  into  his  observation, — "  That  no  man  on  earth,  his  parent  excepted, 
should  have  dared  to  insinuate  such  a  doubt  with  unpunity." 

For  a  moment  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar  seemed  to  regard  his  son  with  a  sur- 
prised but  satisfied  air,  as  if  he  had  not  expected  so  much  spirit,  in  one  whom 
he  had  been  accustomed  to  undervalue. 

"I  believe  you,  Charles,"  ho  at  length  observed;  "forgive  the  justifiable 
doubt,  and  think  no  more  of  the  subject.  Yet,  one  word,"  as  the  youth  was 
preparing  to  depart ;  "  you  have  read  that  letter "  (and  he  pointed  to  that 
which  had  principally  arrested  the  attention  of  the  officer:)  what  impression 
has  it  given  you  of  your  mother  ?  Answer  me  sincerelj'.  My  name,"  and  his 
faint  smile  wore  something  of  the  character  of  triumph,  "  is  not  Reginald^  you 
know." 

The  pallid  cheek  of  the  young  man  flushed  at  this  question.  His  own  un- 
disguised iiiipi-ession  was.  tliat  his  mother  had  cherished  a  guilty  lovi-  for  ano- 
ther than  her  Inisbanil.  He  Mi  llio  almost  impiety  of  such  a  bcii?i'.  !)ut  ho 
could  not  resist  th?  '.'onviption  that  forced  itself  on  his  mind ;  the  letter  in  her 


m 


MMHi 


wacousta;  or,  the  prophecy, 


I6& 


handwriting  spoke  for  itself;  and  though  the  idea  was  full  of  wretchedness, 
he  was  unable  to  conquer  it.  Whatever  his  own  inference  might  be,  however, 
he  could  not  endure  the  thought  of  imparting  it  to  his  father:  he  therefore 
answered  evasively. 

"  Doubtless  my  mother  had  some  dear  relative  of  the  name,  and  to  him  was 
this  letter  addressed ;  perhaps  a  brother,  or  nn  uncle.  But  I  never  knew,'* 
he  pursued,  with  a  look  of  appeal  to  his  father,  "  that  a  second  portrait  of  my 
mother  existed.    This  is  the  very  counterpart  of  Clara's." 

"  It  may  be  the  sarhe,"  remarked  the  governor,  but  in  a  tone  of  indocisioDj 
that  denied  his  faith  in  what  he  uttered. 

"  Impos-sible,  my  father.  I  accompanied  Clara,  if  you  recollect,  as  far  as 
Lake  Sinclair ;  and  when  f  quitted  the  deck  of  the  schooner  to  return,  I  par- 
ticularly remarked  rav  sister  wore  her  mother's  portrait,  as  usual,  round  her 
iick." 

Well,  no  matter  about  the  portrait,"  hurriedly  rirjoiiied  the  governor ;  "yot, 
whatever  your  impression,  Charles,"  and  ho  spoke  with  n,  warmth  that  was 
far  from  habitual  to  him,  "  dare  not  to  sully  the  memory  of  your  mother  by 
a  doubt  of  her  purity.  An  accident  has  given  this  letter  to  your  inspection, 
but  breathe  not  it's  contents  to  a  human  creature ;  above  all,  respect  the  being 
who  pave  you  birth,  (ro,  tell  Ciiptaiu  iilcssington  to  detain  the  Indian ;  I 
will  join  you  immediately." 

Strongly,  yet  confusedly,  impressed  with  the  singularity  of  the  scene  alto- 
gether, and  more  particularlj-  with  his  father's  strange  admonition,  the  young 
officer  quitted  the  room,  and  hastened  te  rejoin  his  companions.  On  reaching 
the  rampart  he  found  that  the  Indiiin,  during  his  long  absence,  had  depart- 
ed ;  yet  not  without  depositing,  on  the  outer  edge  of  the  ditch,  the  substance 
to  which  he  had  previously  directed  their  attention.  At  the  moment  of  De 
Haldimar's  approach,  the  officers  were  bounding  over  the  rampart,  and,  with 
straining  eyes,  endeavoring  to  make  out  what  it  was,  but  in  vain ;  something 
was  just  perceptible  in  the  withered  turf,  but  what  that  something  was  no  one 
could  succeed  in  discovering. 

"  Whatever  this  be,  we  must  possess  ourselves  of  it,"  said  Captain  Bles- 
sington ;  "  it  is  evident,  from  the  energetic  manner  of  him  who  left  it,  it  is  of 
importance.  I  think  I  know  who  is  the  best  swimmer  and  chmber  of  our 
party." 

Several  voices  unanimously  pronounced  the  name  of  "  Johnstone." 

"  Anything  for  a  dash  of  enterprise,"  said  that  officer,  whose  slight  wound 
had  been  perfectly  healed.  "  But  what  do  you  propose'  that  the  swimmer  and 
climber  should  do,  Blessington  ?" 

"  Secure  yon  parcel,  without  lowering  the  drawbridge." 

"  What !  and  bo  scalped  in  the  act  ?  Who  knows  if  it  be  not  a  trick  after 
all,  and  that  the  rascal  who  placed  it  there  is  not  lying  within  a  few  feet, 
ready  to  pounce  upon  me  the  instance  I  reach  the  bank." 

"Never  mind,"  said  Erskine,  laughingly,  "  we  will  revenge  your  death,  my 
boy." 

"  Besides,  consider  the  nunqiutm  non  paratits,  Johnstone,"  slily  remarked 
Lieutenant  Leslie. 

"  What,  again,  Leslie  ?"  energetically  responded  the  young  Scotsman.  "Yet 
think  not  I  hesitate,  for  I  did  but  jesi, :  make  fast  a  rope  round  ray  loins,  and 
I  think  I  will  answer  for  the  result." 

Colonel  de  Haldimar  now  made  his  appearance.  Having  heard  a  brief 
statement  of  the  facts,  and  approving  of  the  suggestion  of  Captain  Blessing- 
ton,  a  rope  was  procured,  and  made  fast  under  the  shoulders  of  the  young 
officer,  who  had  previously  stripped  himself  of  his  imiform  and  shoes.  He 
then  suffered  himself  to  drop  gently  over  the  edge  of  the  rampart,  his  com- 


panions gradually  lowering  the  rope,  until  a  Qeep  and  gasping  aspiration,  such 
as  is  usually  wrung  frohi  one  coming  suddenly  in  contact  with  cold  water, 
announced  he  had  gained  the  suriuce  of  the  ditch.     The  roj.e  was  then  slack- 


106 


W  A  C  O  V  S  T  A  ;      OR,     THE     I'  R  O  P  II  E  C  Y 


«ned,  to  pivc  him  the  imrestraiiicil  cominivnd  ol'his  limbs ;  and  in  the  next  in- 
stant he  WHS  seen  clambering  up  the  i>j>po.sitc  elevation. 

Althouf;h  the  olhcers,  indulpinp;  in  a  turccd  levit) ,  in  a  groat  dcprce  meant 
to  encourage  their  companion,  had  treated  his  enterprise  with  indill'erenec, 
thoy  were  far  from  being  without  nerious  anxiety  for  the  result.  Tliey  Imd 
laughed  at  the  idea,  suggested  by  him,  of  being  scalped ;  whereas,  in  truth, 
they  entertained  the  apprehension  lar  more  powerfully  than  he  did  himsi'lf. 
The  artifices  resorted  to  by  the  savages,  to  secure  an  isolated  victim,  were  so 
many  and  so  various,  tliat  suspicion  could  not  but  attach  to  the  mysterious 
occtirrcncc  they  had  just  witnessed.  Willing  even  as  they  were  to  believe 
thdr  present  visiter,  whoever  he  was,  came  not  in  a  spirit  of  enniitj',  they  coidd 
not  altogether  divest  themselves  of  a  fear  that  it  was  only  a  subtle  artifice  to 
deooy  one  of  them  within  the  reach  of  their  traitorous  weapons.  They, 
therefore,  watched  the  movements  of  their  companion  with  quickening  pulses ; 
and  it  was  with  a  lively  satisfaction  they  saw  him,  at  length,  after  a  momen- 
tary search,  descend  once  more  into  the  ditch,  and,  with  a  single  powerful  im- 
pulsion of  his  limbs,  urge  himself  back  to  the  foot  of  the  rampart.  Neither 
feet  nor  hands  were  of  much  ser^'ice,  in  enablirg  him  to  scale  the  smooth  and 
slanting  logs  that  composed  the  exterior  .surface  of  the  works ;  but  a  slight 
jork  of  the  well-.secured  rope,  serving  as  a  signal  to  his  friends,  he  was  soon 
dragged  once  more  to  the  summit  of  the  rampart,  without  other  injury  than 
a  couple  of  slight  bruises. 

"  Well,  what  success  ?"  eagerly  asked  Leslie  and  Captain  Erskinc,  in  the 
«aine  breath,  as  the  dripping  Johnstone  buried  himself  in  the  folds  of  a  capa- 
<9ous  cloak  procunxl  during  his  absence. 

"  You  shall  hear,"  was  the  reply  ;  "  but  first,  gentlemen,  allow  me,  if  you 
please,  to  enjoy,  with  yourselvqs.  the  luxurj'  of  dry  clothes.  I  have  no  par- 
ticular ambition  to  contract  an  American  ague  fit  just  now  ;  yet,  unless  you 
take  pity  on  me,  and  reserve  my  examination  for  a  future  moment,  there  is 
«rery  probability  I  shall  not  have  a  tooth  left  by  to-morrow  morning." 

No  one  could  deny  the  justice  of  the  remark,  for  the  teeth  of  the  young 
man  were  chattering  as  he  spoke.  It  was  not,  therefore,  until  after  he  had 
«iMuigcd  his  dress,  and  swallowed  a  couple  of  glasses  of  Captain  Erskine's 
never  failing  spirit,  that  they  all  repaired  once  more  to  the  mess-room,  when 
Johnstone  anticipated  all  questions,  bj'  the  production  of  the  mysterious 
packet. 

After  removing  several  wrappers  of  bark,  each  of  which  was  secured  by  a 
thong  of  deer-skin,  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  to  whom  the  successful  officer  had 
handed  his  prize,  at  length  came  to  a  small  oval  case  of  red  morocco,  precise- 
ly similar,  in  size  and  form,  to  what  which  had  so  lately  attracte<l  the  notice 
^  his  son.  For  a  moment  he  hesitated,  and  his  check  was  observed  to  turn 
pale,  and  his  hand,  to  tremble ;  but  quickly  subduing  his  indecision,  he  hur- 
riedly unfastened  the  clasp,  and  disclosed  to  the  astonished  view  of  the  officers 
the  portrait  of  a  young  and  lovely  woman,  habited  in  the  Highland  garb. 

Exclamations  of  various  kinds  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  group  of  officers. 
Several  knew  it  to  bo  the  portrait  of  Mrs.  de  Haldimar ;  others  recognized  it 
from  the  striking  likeness  it  bore  to  Clara  and  to  Charles  :  all  know  it  had 
never  been  absent  from  the  possession  of  the  former  since  her  mother's  death  ; 
«nd  feeling  satisfied  as  they  did  that  its  extraordinary  appearance  among 
them,  at  the  present  moment,  was  an  announcement  of  some  dreadful  disaster, 
ttfaeir  countenances  wore  an  impress  of  dismay  little  inferior  to  that  of  the 
•W^hed  Charles,  who,  agonised  beyond  all  attempt  at  description,  had  thrown 
iihnself  into  &  seat  in  the  rear  of  the  group,  and  sat  like  one  bewildered,  with 
liis  head  buried  in  his  hands. 

"  Gentlemen,"  at  length  observed  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  in  a  voice  that  prov- 
•*d  how  vainly  his  natural  emotion  was  sought  to  he  subdued  by  his  pride, 
""  this,  I  fear  me,  is  an  unwelcome  token.    It  comeS  to  announce  to  a  father 


wacouhta:  or,  thk  prophecy, 


167 


the  murder  of  )u»  child  ;  to  iis  all,  the  destruction  of  our  last  remaining  friends 
and  comrades." 

"  God  forbid!"  solemnly  aspirated  Captain  UlcssinKton.  After  a  pntiso  of 
a  moment  or  two  he  pursued :  "I  know  not  why,  sir;  but  my  impression  is, 
the  appearance  of  this  porti-ait,  which  wo  all  recognise  for  that  worn  by  Miss 
do  Haldimar,  bears  another  interpretation." 

Colonel  de  Haldimar  shook  his  head.  '•  I  have  but  too  much  reason  to  be- 
lieve," ho  observed,  smilinj;  in  mournful  l)itterness,  "it  has  been  conveyed  to 
us  not  in  mercy  but  in  n^venj^c." 

No  one  ventured  to  (juestion  why  ;  for  notwithstandinfi;  all  were  aware  that, 
in  the  mysterious  ravisher  of  the  wife  of  llalloway,  Colonel  de  Ilaldim.-xr  had 
a  fierce  and  inexorable  private  enemy,  no  allusion  had  ever  been  made  by  that 
officer  himself  to  the  subject. 

"  Will  you  permit  me  to  examine  the  portrait  and  envelopes,  colonel  ?"  re- 
sumed Captain  Blessingtoh:  "1  feel  almost  confident,  although  I  confess  I 
have  no  other  motive  for  it  than  what  springs  from  a  recollection  of  the  man- 
ner of  the  Indian,  that  the  result  will  beai'  me  out  in  my  belief  the  bearer 
came  not  in  hostility  but  in  friendship." 

"  By  my  faith,  I  quite  agree  with  Blessington,"  said  Captain  Erskine ;  "for 
in  addition  to  the  manner  of  the  Indian,  there  is  another  evidence  in  favor  of 
his  position.  Was  it  merely  intended  in  the  light  in  which  you  consider  it, 
colonel,  the  case  or  the  miniature  itself  might  have  been  returned,  but  certain- 
ly not  the  metal  in  which  it  is  set.  The  savages  are  fully  aware  of  the  value 
of  gold,  and  would  not  so  easily  let  it  slip  through  their  fingers." 

Meanwhile,  Captain  Blessington  had  turned  and  examined  the  miniature  in 
fifty  different  ways,  but  without  succeeding  in  di.scovering  any  thing  that, 
could  confirm  him  in  his  original  impression.  Vexed  and  di.sappointcd.  he  at 
length  flung  it  from  him  on  the  table,  and  sinking  into  u  scat  at  the  side  of 
the  unfortunate  Charles,  pressed  the  hand  of  the  youth  in  significant  silence. 

Finding  his  worst  fears  now  confirmed,  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  for  the  first 
time,  cast  a  glance  towards  his  son,  whose  droojjing  head,  and  sorrowing 
attitude,  spoke  vohunes  to  his  heart.  For  a  moment  his  own  cheyk  blanched, 
and  his  eye  was  seen  to  glisten  with  the  first  tear  ever  witnessed  there  by 
those  around  him.  Subduing  his  emotion,  however,  he  ilrew  up  his  person 
to  its  lordly  height,  as  if  that  act  reminded  him  the  commander  was  not  to  bo 
lost  in  the  father,  and  quitting  the  room  with  a  heavy  brow  and  step,  recom- 
mended to  his  officers  the  repose  of  which  they  appeared  to  stand  so  much  in 
need.  But  not  one  was  there  who  felt  inclined  to  court  the  solitude  of  his 
pillow.  No  sooner  were  the  footsteps  of  the  governor  heard  dying  away  in 
the  distance,  when  fi-esh  lights  were  ordered,  and  several  logs  of  wood  heaped 
on  the  slackening  fire.  Around  this  the  officers  now  grouped,  and  throwmg 
themselves  back  in  their  chairs,  a.ssumed  the  attitudes  of  men  seeking  to  in- 
dulge rather  in  private  reflection  than  in  personal  converse. 

The  grief  of  the  wretched  Charles  de  Haldimar,  hitherto  restrained  by  the 
presence  of  his  father,  and  encouraged  by  the  touching  evidences  of  interest 
afforded  him  by  the  ever  considerate  Blessington,  now  burst  forth  audibly. 
No  attempt  was  made  by  the  latter  officer  to  check  the  emotion  of  his  young 
friend.  Knowing  his  passionate  fondness  for  his  sister,  he  was  not  without 
fear  that  the  sudden  shock  produced  by  the  appearance  of  her  miniature 
might  destroy  his  reason,  even  if  it  affected  not  his  life ;  and  as  the  moment 
was  now  come  when  tears  might  be  shed  without  exciting  invidious  remark  in 
the  only  individual  who  was  likely  to  make  it,  he  sought  to  promote  them  as 
much  as  possible.  Too  much  occupied  in  their  own  mournful  reflections  to 
bestow  more  than  a  passing  notic«  on  the  weakness  of  their  friend,  the  group 
round  the  fire-place  scarcely  seeme<l  to  have  regardo«i  his  emotion. 

This  violent  jmroxysm  past,  De  Haldimar  breathed  more  freely  ;  and,  afber 
listening  to  several  earnest  observations  of  Captain  Bletisington,  who  still 
held  out  the  possibility  of  something  favoi-able  tviming  up,  oh  a  rc-cxamination 


168 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


oi""  the  portrait  by  daylight,  ho  was  so  far  conipoHcd  an  to  bo  able  to  attend  to 
the  summons  of  tlic  sergeant  of  the  guard,  who  came  to  say  tho  relief  were 
A-eadyj  and  waiting  to  bo  inspected  l)eforo  they  were  finally  marched  off. 
Glaspmg  the  extended  hand  of  his  captain  between  his  own,  with  a  pressure 
indicative  of  his  deep  gratitude,  De  flaldimar  now  proceeded  to  the  discharge 
of  his  duty,  and  having  caught  up  the  portrait,  which  still  lay  on  the  table, 
and  thrust  it  into  the  breast  of  his  uniform,  he  repaired  hurriedly  to  rejoin 
his  guard,  from  which  circumstances  alone  had  induced  his  unusually  long 
absence. 


CHAPTER  XXV. 

The  remainder  of  th;it  night  was  passed  by  the  imhappy  De  llaldimar  in  a 
state  of  indescribable  wretchedness.  After  inspecting  the  relief,  ho  had  thrown 
himself  on  his  rude  guard-bed ;  and,  drawing  his  cloak  over  his  eyca,  gave 
full  rein  to  the  wanderings  of  his  excite<l  imagination. 

Miserable  as  he  felt  his  position  to  be,  it  v  as  not  without  satisfaction  he 
again  heard  the  voice  of  his  sergeant  summoning  him  to  the  inspection  of 
another  relief  This  duty  performed,  and  anxious  to  avoid  the  paining  pre- 
sence of  his  servant,  he  determined,  instead  of  returning  to  his  guard-room,  to 
consume  the  hour  that  remained  before  day  in.  pacing  the  ramparts.  Leaving 
word  with  his  subordinate,  that  in  the  event  of  his  being  required,  he  might 
be  found  without  difficulty,  he  ascende<i  to  that  quarter  of  tlie  works  where 
the  Indian  had  been  first  seen  who  had  so  mysteriously  conveyed  the  sad  token 
he  still  retained  in  his  breast.  It j  was  on  the  same  side  with  that  particular 
point  whence  we  have  already  stated  a  full  view  of  the  bridge  with  its  sur- 
rounding scenery,  together  with  the  waters  of  the  Detroit,  where  they  were 
intersected  bj-  Hog  Island,  were  distinctly  commanded.  At  either  of  those 
points  was  stationed  a  si-ntinel,  who.sc  duty  it  was  to  extend  his  beat  between 
the  boxes  used  now  rather  as  lines  of  demarcation  than  as  places  of  tcmporary 
shelter,  until  each  gained  that  of  his  next  comrade,  when  they  again  returned 
to  their  own,  crossing  each  other  about  half  way :  a  system  of  pnscaution  pur- 
sued by  the  whole  of  the  sentinels  in  the  circuit  of  the  rampart. 

The  ostensible  motive  of  the  officer  in  ascending  the  works,  was  to  visit  his 
several  posts  ;  but  no  sooner  had  he  found  himself  between  the  points  alluded 
to,  which  happened  to  be  the  first  in  his  course,  than  ho  seemed  to  be  riveted 
there  by  a  species  of  fascination. 

Reminded,  for  the  first  time,  as  he  was  pursuing  his  measured  but  aimless 
walk,  by  the  fatal  portrait  which  he  more  than  once  pies,sefl  with  feverish 
energy  to  his  lips,  of  the  singular  discovery  ho  had  made  that  night  in  the 
apartments  of  his  father,  he  was  naturally  led,  by  a  chain  of  consecutive  thought, 
into  a  review  of  the  extraordinary  scene.  The  fact  of  the  existence  of  a  second 
likeness  of  his  mother  wr.s  one  that  did  not  now  fail  to  re-awaken  all  the  un- 
qualified surprise  he  had  experienced  at  the  first  discovery.  So  far  from  hav- 
ing ever  heard  his  father  make  the  slightest  allusion  to  this  menioi'ial  of  his 
departed  mother,  he  perfectly  recollected  his  repeatedly  recommending  to  Clara 
the  safe  custody  of  a  treasure,  which,  if  lost,  could  never  be  replaced.  "What 
could  be  the  motive  for  this  mystery? — and  why  had  he  sought  to  impres.? 
him  with  the  belief  it  was  the  identical  portrait  worn  by  his  sister  which  had 
so  unintentionally  been  exposed  to  his  view  ?  Why,  too,  had  he  evinced  so 
much  anxiety  to  remove  from  his  mind  all  unfavorable  impres.sions  in  regard 
to  his  mother?  Why  have  been  so  energetic  in  his  caution  not  to  suffer  a 
taint  of  impurity  to  attach  to  her  memory  ?  Why  should  he  have  supposed 
the  possibility  of  such  imtj.cssion,  unless  there  had  been  sufficient  cause  for 
it  ?  In  what,  moreover,  originated  his  triumphant  expression  of  feature,  when, 


WA  (J  OUST  a;    ur,   tub    prophecy, 


169 


on  that  occasion,  he  reminded  him  that  Aw  name  wao  not  Reginald  ?    Whs, 
then,  was  tliis  Reginald  ?    Then  came  the  recollection  of  what  had  been  re- 

Eated  to  him  of  the  parting  scene  between  Halloway  and  hiH  wife.  In  od- 
essing  her  ill-fated  husband,  she  had  named  him  Reginald.  Could  it  be  po.<^ 
sible  this  was  the  same  being  alluded  to  by  his  father  ?  But  no ;  his  youth 
forbade  the  supposition,  being  but  two  years  older  than  his  brother  Frederick ; 
yet  might  ho  not,  in  some  way  or  other,  bo  connected  with  the  Reginald  of 
the  letter  ?  Why,  too,  had  his  father  shown  such  unrelenting  severity  which 
had  induced  more  than  one  remark  from  his  officers,  that  it  looked  as  if  ho  en- 
tertained some  personal  feeling  of  enmity  towards  a  man  who  Imd  done  so 
much  for  his  family,  and  stood  so  high  in  the  esteem  of  all  who  knew  him. 

Then  came  another  thought.  At  the  moment  of  his  execution,  Ilalloway 
had  deposited  a  packet  in  the  hands  of  Captain  Blct^sington ; — could  these  let- 
ters— could  that  portrait  be  the  same  ?  Certain  it  was,  by  whatever  means 
obtained,  his  father  could  not  have  had  them  long  in  his  possession ;  for  it  was 
improbable  letters  of  so  old  a  date  should  have  occupied  his  attention  tio^, 
when  many  years  had  rolled  over  the  memory  of  his  mother.  And  then, 
again,  what  was  the  meaning  of  the  language  used  by  the  implacable  enemy 
of  his  father,  that  uncouth  and  ferocious  warrior  of  the  Fleur  de  Lis,  not  only 
on  the  occasion  of  the  execution  of  Halloway,  but  afterwards  to  his  brother, 
during  his  short  captivity ;  and  subsequently,  when  disguised  as  a  black,  he 
penetrated,  with  the  band  of  Ponteac,  into  the  fort,  and  aimed  his  murderous 
weapon  at  his  father's  head.  What  had  made  him  the  enem^  of  his  family  ? 
and  where  and  how  had  originated  his  father's  connection  with  so  extraordi- 
nary and  savage  a  being?  Could  he,  in  any  way,  be  implicated  with  his  mother? 
But  no  ;  there  was  something  revolting,  monstrous  in  the  thought :  besides, 
had  not  his  father  stood  forward  the  champion  of  her  innocence  ? — had  ho  not 
declared,  with  an  energy  carrying  conviction  with  every  word,  that  she  ".vhj? 
untainted  by  guilt  ?  And  would  he  have  done  this,  had  ho  had  reason  to  be- 
lieve in  the  existence  of  a  criminal  love  for  him  who  evidently  was  his  mortal 
foe  t    Impossible. 

Such  were  the  questions  and  solutions  that  crowded  on  and  distracted  the 
mind  of  the  unhappy  De  Haldimar,  who  after  all,  could  arrive  at  no  satisfac- 
tory conclusion.  It  was  evident  there  was  a  secret. — ^yet,  whatever  its  nature, 
it  was  one  likely  to  go  down  with  his  father  to  tne  grave ;  for,  however  hu- 
miliating the  reflection  to  a  haughty  parent,  compelled  to  vindicate  the  honor 
of  a  mother  to  her  son,  and  in  direct  opposition  to  evidence  that  scarcely  bore 
a  shadow  of  misinterpretation,  it  was  clear  he  had  motives  for  consigning  the 
circumstance  to  oblivionj  which  far  outweighed  any  necessity  he  felt  of  adduc- 
ing other  proofs  of  her  mnocence  than  those  which  rested  on  his  own  simple 
yet  impressive  assertion. 

In  the  midst  of  these  bewildering  doubts,  De  Haldimar  heard  some  one  ap- 
proaching in  his  rear,  whose  footsteps  he  distinguished  from  the  heavy  pace  of 
the  sentinels.  He  turned,  stopped,  and  was  presently  joined  by  Captain 
Blessington. 

"  Why,  dearest  Charles,"  almost  querulously  asked  the  kind  officer,  as  he 
passed  his  arm  through  that  of  his  subaltern, — "  why  will  you  persist  in  feed- 
ing this  love  of  solitude  ?  What  possible  result  can  it  produce,  but  an  utter 
prostration  of  every  moral  and  physical  energy  1  Come,  come,  summon  a  little 
fortitude ;  all  may  not  yet  be  so  hopeless  as  you  apprehend.  For  iny  own 
part,  I  feel  convinced  the  day  will  dawn  upon  some  satisfactory  solution  of  the 
mystery  of  that  packet." 

■'  Blessington,  my  dear  Blessington  1" — and  De  Haldimar  spoke  with  mourn- 
ful energy, — "  you  have  known  me  from  my  boyhood,  and,  I  believe,  have 
ever  loved  me  ^  seek  not,  therefore,  to  draw  mo  from  the  present  temper  of 
my  mind  ;  deprive  me  not  of  an  indulgence  which,  melancholy  as  it  is,  now 
constitutes  the  solo  satisfaction  I  take  iu  existence." 


170 


W  A  O  O  II  H  T  A 


O  R 


r  n  i:    !•  II  0  !•  II  i;  c;  v 


"  By  henron  !  Charles,  >  will  not  listen  to  such  ifuijiiiiiuc.  \ Oil  ahHohitoly 
put  my  patience  to  tho  rack." 

"  Nay,  then,  I  will  iirpc  no  tiioii'."  pursued  the  Younj!,  otiicpr.  ''  To  revert, 
therefore,  to  a  (liilerent  Nu}iject,  answer  nieone  qiieslion  with  sineerity.  What 
were  the  contents  of  the  packet  you  reeeived  from  poor  llalloway  previous  to 
his  executioi\  7  and  in  wliose  possession  are  they  now  ?" 

Pleased  to  find  the  attentit>n  of  his  yoiiiij;'  friend  diverted  for  the  moment 
ttom  his  sister.  Captain  Blessinj^ton  (juii'kly  rejoined,  lie  believed  the  jjacket 
contained  letters  which  Hallo  way  had  stated  to  him  weie  of  a  nature  to 
throw  some  lipht  on  his  family  connections,  lie  had,  liowever,  transferred  it 
with  the  seal  unbroken,  as  desired  by  the  unhappy  man,  to  Colonel  <lo  Hal- 
mar." 

An  exclamation  of  surprise  burst  involuntaiily  from  the  lii)s  of  the  youth. 
"  Has  my  father  ever  made  any  allusion  to  that  packet  since  ?"  he  asked. 

"Never,"  returned  Captain  IJlessington  ;  '•and,  I  confess,  his  failing  to  do 
80  has  often  excited  my  astonishment.     Htit  why  do  you  ask  ?" 

Dc  Haldimar  energetically  jiresscd  the  arm  of  his  captain,  while  a  heavy 
sigh  burst  from  his  oppressed  heart.  '"This  very  night.  Hlessington,  on  en- 
tering my  father's  apartment  to  appri.se  him  of  what  was  going  on  here,  I 
saw, — I  can  scarcely  tell  you  what,  but  certainly  enough  to  convince  me,  from 
what  you  have  now  stated,  Halloway  was,  in  some  degree  or  other,  connwted 
with  our  fkmily.  Tell  mo,"  he  anxiously  pursued,  '•  was  there  a  portrait  en- 
dosed  with  the  letters  7" 

"I  cannot  state  vith  confidence,  C^harles,"  replied  his  f' '(^nd  ;  "but  if  I 
might  judge  from  the  peculiar  form  and  weight  of  the  pac  I  should  be  in- 
clined to  say  not.     Have  you  seen  the  letters,  then  ?" 

"  I  have  seen  certain  letters  which  1  have  reason  to  Keliire,  are  the  same," 
returned  Dc  Haldimar.  '"They 'were  addressed  to  'Hegiimld;'  and  Hallo- 
way.  I  think  you  have  told  me,  was  so  called  by  his  niihapp)-  wife." 

"•there  can  be  little  doubt  they  are  the  same,"  said  Captain  Blessington} 
"but  what  wore  their  contents,  and  by  whom  written,  that  you  deem  they 
pr6ve  a  connection  between  the  unhappy  soidier  and  your  family  ?" 

Dc  Haldimar  felt  the  blood  rise  into  his  cheek  at  that  natural  but  unex- 
pected demand.  '•!  am  sure.  Hlessington,"  he  replied,  after  a  pause,  "you 
will  not  think  me  capable  of  unworthy  mystery  towards  yourself;  Ijiit  the 
contents  of  these  letters  are  sacred,  inasmuch  as  they  relate  only  to  cireum- 
fitanccs  connected  with  my  father's  fivniily." 

They  soon  both  prepared  to  quit  the  rampart.  As  they  passed  the  sentinel 
stationed  at  that  point  whei-e  the  Indian  had  been  first  seen,  their  attention 
was  directed  by  him  to  a  lire  that  now  suddenly  rose,  apjmix'ntly  at  a  great 
distance,  and  rapidly  increasing  in  volume.  The  singularity  of  this  occurrence 
riveted  the  officers  for  a  moniout  in  .silent  ob.servation  ;  until  ('aptain  Bless- 
ington  at  length  ventured  a  remark,  that,  judging  from  the  direction  and  the 
deceptive  nature  of  the  element  at  night,  he  should  incline  to  think  it  was  the 
hut  of  the  Canadian  burning. 

"  Which  is  another  additional  proof,  were  any  sucli  wanting,  that  every 
thing  is  lost,"  mournfully  urged  the  ever  apprehensive  De  Haldimar.     *'  Fran- 
cis has  been  detected  in  rendering  aid  to  our  friends;  and  the  Indians,  in  all 
probability,  after  having  immolated  their  victim,  are  sacrificing  his  property 
to  their  rage." 

During  this  exchange  of  opinion,  tin  officers  had  again  moved  to  the  oppo- 
site point  of  the  limited  walk  of  the  yoiuiger.  Scaiceiy  had  they  reached  it, 
and  before  Captain  Bles.sington  could  find  time  to  reply  to  the  fears  of  liis 
firiend,  when  a  loud  and  distant  booming  like  that  of  a  cannon  Wiis  heard  in 
the  direction  of  the  tire.  The  alarm  was  given  hastily  by  the  sentinels,  and 
sounds  ^f  preparation  and  arming  were  aiidil)le  in  the  course  of  a  minute  or 
two  everywhere  throughout  the  fort.  Startled  by  the  report,  which  they  had 
half  inclined  to  imaeine  produced  by  the  discharge  of  one  of  their  own  guns, 


WAC0U8TA 


OR,     THE     PROPHECY, 


171 


tho  half-sluiiilu'rin^  otliiM.)  liad  (|iiitti>(l  tlic  nhiiirs  in  which  tlipy  had  pasucd 
the  nijiht  in  tho  nuss-room,  and  wre  soon  Kt  tlie  sido  of  tlicir  more  watciiful 
compivnions,  tiien  iinxioiisly  listcnin,;;  lor  a  rojietition  of  the  sound. 

The  diiy  was  just  Ix'^Hiniini;  to  duwn,  and  as  llie  iitino-<ph(.'re  cleared  iijailu- 
ally  away,  it  wivs  penoived  tlic  fire  rose  not  from  t^'C  hnt  of  the  Hanurtian, 
but  at  a  i)oirtt  con-iidendily  beyond  it.  nnufual  as  it  wn.s  to  sec  u  lar^c  Arc 
of  this  descriptiou,  its  appeaiauee  became  an  object  of  minor  consideration, 
since  it  mi^;ht  be  attributed  to  some  caprice  or  desire  on  the  part  of  tho  In- 
dians to  excit"  appn  hension  mi  tl\eir  enemies.  But  how  was  tlie  report  wliich 
had  roiichi'd  their  ears  to  be  accounted  for  ?  ft  evidently  could  only  have 
been  produced  by  tho  discliar;>e  of  a  cannon;  and  if  so,  where  could  tho 
Indians  have  procured  it  ?  Xo  such  arm  had  recently  been  in  their  po8«c«- 
Hion;  and  if  it  were,  tiiey  wei-o  tutidl^^  unacquainted  with  the  manner  of  serv- 
ing it. 

As  the  day  became  more  developed,  tho  mystery  was  resolved.  Every 
telescope  in  tlie  fort  had  bicn  called  into  requisition  ;  and  as  they  were  now 
levelled  in  tho  diiection  of  the  fire,  sweeping  tho  line  of  horizon  around,  ex- 
clamations of  surprise  escaped  the  lips  of  several. 

"  It  is  an  unusual  hour  for  tlie  Indians'  war-dance,"  observed  Captain 
Blossingtou.  "  .My  experience  furnishes  mo  with  no  ono  instance  in  which  it 
has  not  been  danced  previous  to  their  retiring  to  rest." 

"  Unless,"  said  Ijioutenant  Boyco,  "  they  should  have  been  thus  cngft(|;ed  all 
night ;  in  which  case  the  singularity  may  be  explained." 

"  Look,  look,"  eagerly  remarked  fjieutonant  Johnstone — "  see  how  they  are 
flying  to  their  canoes,  bounding  and  leaping  like  so  many  devils  broke  loose 
from  their  chains.     The  fire  is  nei»rly  deserted  already."  ' 

"  The  schooner — the  schooner !"  shouted  Captain  Erskine.  By  heaven, 
our  own  gallant  seliooner !  see  how  beautifully  she  drives  past  the  island, 
ft  was  her  gun  \^e  heard,  intended  as  a  signal  to  prepare  us  for  her  appear- 
ance." 

"  A  thrill  of  wild  and  indescribable  emotion  passed  through  every  heart. 
Every  eye  was  turned  upon  the  point  to  which  attention  was  now  directed. 
The  graceful  vessel,  with  every  stitch  of  canvass  set,  was  shooting  rapidly 
past  the  low  bushes  skirting  the  sands  that  still  concealed  her  hull ;  and  in  a 
moment  or  two  she  loomed  largely  and  proudly  on  the  bosom  of  the  Detroit, 
the  surface  of  which  was  slightly  curled  with  a  north-western  breeze. 

"  Safe,  by  .Jupiter !"  exclaimed  the  delighted  Erskine,  dropping  the  glass 
upon  the  rampart,  and  rubbing  his  hands  together  with  every  manifestation 
ofjoy. 

"  The  Indians  are  in  chase,"  siiid  Lieutenant  Boyce  ;  "  upwards  of  fifty  ca- 
noes are  following  tho  schooner's  wake.  But  Danvers  will  soon  give  us  an 
account  of  their  Lilliputian  lieet." 

"  Let  the  troops  bo  held  in  readine.ss  for  a  sortie,  Mr.  Lawson,"  said  tho 
governor,  who  had  joined  his  officers  just  as  the  schooner  cleared  the  island ; 
"  we  must  cover  their  landing,  or,  with  this  host  of  savages  in  pursuit,  they 
will  never  effect  it  alive." 

During  the  whole  of  this  brief  but  exciting  scene,  the  heart  of  Charles  do 
Haldimar  beat  audibly.  A  thousand  hopes  and  fears  rushed  conftisedly  on  his 
mind,  and  he  was  as  ono  bewildered  by,  and  scarcely  crediting,  what  he  saw. 
Could  Clara, — could  his  cousin — could  his  brother — could  his  friend  bo  on 
board  ?  He  scarcely  dared  to  ask  himself  these  questions ;  still  it  was  with  a 
fluttering  heart,  in  which  hope,  however,  predominated,  that  ho  hastened  to 
execute  an  order  of  his  captain,  that  bore  immediate  reference  to  his  duty  as 
subaltern  of  the  guard. 


172 


WACOUtTA 


OR,     THK     PROPHBCY. 


CHAPTER  XXVI. 


Meanwhile  tho  schooner  daahcd  rapidly  along,  her  hull  occaHJonally  hid 
from  the  view  of  those  assembled  on  the  ramparts  by  some  interwninp;  orchard 
or  cluster  of  houses,  but  her  tall  spurs  glittering  in  their  cover  of  white  can- 
vass, and  marking  the  direction  of  her  course.  At  length  she  came  to  a  point 
in  the  river  that  olFcred  no  other  interruption  to  tho  eye  than  what  aruso 
from  the  presence  of  almost  all  the  inhabitants  of  the  village,  who,  urged  by 
curiosity  and  surprise,  were  to  be  seen  crowding  the  intervening  bank.  Here 
the  schooner  was  suddenly  put  about,  and  the  Knglish  colors,  hitherto  con- 
cealed by  the  folds  of  the  canvass,  were  at  length  discovered  proudly  lloating 
in  tho  breeze. 

Immediately  over  the  gateway  of  the  fort  there  was  an  elevated  platform, 
Approached  by  tho  rampart  of  which  it  formed  a  part,  hy  Home  half  dozen 
rude  steps  on  either  side ;  and  on  this  platform  was  placed  a  long  eighteen 
pounder,  that  commanded  the  whole  extent  of  road  leading  from  the  druw- 
bridge  to  tho  river.  Hither  the  officers  had  all  repaired,  while  the  schooner 
was  in  tho  act  of  passing  tho  town  ;  and  now  that,  suddenly  brought  up  in 
the  wmd's  eye,  she  rode  leisurely  in  the  offing,  every  movement  on  her  decks 
was  plainly  discernable  with  the  telescope. 

"  Where  can  Danvers  have  hid  all  his  crew  ?"  first  spoke  Captain  Erskine ; 
"  I  count  but  half  a  dozen  hands  altogether  on  deck,  and  these  are  barely  suf- 
ficient to  work  her." 

"  Lying  concealed,  and  ready,  no  doubt,  to  give  the  canoes  a  warm  recep- 
tion," observed  Lieutenant  Jonnstono ;  "  but  where  can  our  friends  be  ? 
Surely,  if  there,  they  would  show*  themselves  to  us." 

There  was  in  truth  in  this  remark ;  and  each  felt  discouraged  and  disap- 
pointed that  they  did  not  appear. 

"  There  come  the  whooping  hell  fiends,"  said  Major  Blackwatcr.  "  By 
heaven  !  tho  very  water  is  darkened  with  tbo  shadows  of  their  canoes.'' 

Scarcely  had  he  spoken,  when  the  vessel  was  suddenly  surroimded  by  a 
multitude  of  savages,  whose  fierce  shouts  rent  tho  air,  while  their  dripping 
paddles,  gleaming  like  silver  in  the  raj's  of  the  rising  sun,  v.ere  altoruatcly 
wave<l  aloft  in  triumph,  and  then  plunged  into  the  troubled  element,  which 
they  spuin"d  in  fury  from  their  blades. 

"What  can  Danvers  be  about?  Why  does  he  not  either  open  his  fire,  or 
crowd  sail  and  a.'i'ay  from  them?"  exclaimed  several  voices. 

'•  The  detachmeu*^!  is  in  readiness,  sir,"  said  Mr.  Ijawson,  and  asa'nding  the 
platform,  and  addres^^ing  Major  Blackwater. 

"  The  deck,  the  deck !"  shouted  Erskine. 

Already  the  eyes  o "  several  were  bent  in  the  direction  alluded  to  by  tho 
lost  speaker,  while  the  se  whose  attention  had  been  diverted  by  the  approach- 
ing canoes  glanced  ra  pidly  to  the  same  point.  To  the  surprise  and  conster- 
nation of  all,  the  tall  and  well-remembered  form  of  the  warrior  of  the  Fleur 
do  Lis  waa  seen  towering  far  above  the  bulwarks  of  the  schooner;  and  with 
an  expression  in  th  j  attitude  he  had  assumed,  which  no  one  could  mistake 
for  other  than  th^t  of  triumphant  defiance.  Presently  ho  <lrew  from  the 
bosom  of  his  huncing  coat  a  dark  parcel^  and  springing  into  the  ri/rging  of  the 
mainmast,  ascended  with  incredible  activity  to  tho  point  where  the  English 
ensign  was  faintly  floating  in  the  breeze.  This  he  tore  furiously  away,  and 
rending  it  into  many  pieces,  cast  the  fragments  into  the  silver  element  beneath 
him,  on  whoso  bosom  they  were  seen  to  float  among  the  canoes  of  the  savages, 
many  of  whom  possessed  themselves,  with  eagerness,  of  the  gaudy  colored 
trophies.  The  dark  parcel  was  now  unfolded  by  the  active  warrior,  who, 
after  having  waved  it  several  times  round  his  head,  commenced  attaching  it  to 
the  hues  whence  the  English  ensign  had  so  recently  been  torn.    It  was  a  lai^ 


WAdOtttTA;    OR,    mi    moyHUVIi 


173 


black.  Hog,  the  pv\r|Hii't  of  which  was  too  i-wwlily  ooinpr»>»»iiw»»nl  bjs  tiie  oaciK- 
ed  offlroiH 

'•  lluw^i  Wws  u\rtU«  I  i-ftu  we  not  iHHtrnp  'i>  »>•»*«  ^'*t  fl*f  ■<"^*<*  »"  *•»  o^n 
wiutling  shfft  r  uxcUimed  ('mttrtu  ^'aAino.  ••(''intvsv,  VWniwotlh,  jilve  us  a 
Bwond  fxiition  i>(  Uu»  wU'Un  lliing  •,  I  knov*  \w  \ms\  wh.  lUulorstttii'l"  pivinling 
a  gun  bettor  thim  voursuU",  hikI  ihJM  >'«»{htw»  poiitt<li>t  imIhIi(  I,.  s»>lh«  mis- 
ohipf." 

Tho  iilcii  Wrts  instaiUh  fWight  at  hy  thw  otttoev  «f  *rtiUerv,  wh»  Wfwl  hia 
consent  in  tho  eye  of  \  olond  do  lUldimiir.  \[\n  vom\mi\U»\9  inaitc  way  on 
either  side  ;  and  several  guntiors,  who  wiiv  «h»«dy  -iS  \\M\  xtatioim,  having 
advanced  to  work  the  niece  at  the  ('om,niBud  of  thiilr  c«|\t»ito  it  was  NptJtHlily 
brov^ght  to  linnr  \\yym  tin'  Hchooncr. 

•  Vl\n  will  do.  I  tliinii,"  snid  VVentwovlh.  11^  slant  in  ,  \^  v^nvienced  eye 
cani\ill_\  alons  tl\e  gnu,  he  found  it  pointoil  in\nn  dialely  on  the  gigantic  frame 
uf  the  warrior.  "  If  this  •  Itain-shot  miss  him,  it  will  be  through  no  fault  of 
mine." 

Every  eye  was  now  riveted  on  tlio  main  mast  of  the  schooner,  whore  the 
warrior  was  s\\\\  engaged  in  attaching  tho  portentous  flag.  Tho  gunner,  who 
held  the  ntateh,  obeyed  tho  silent  signal  of  his  captain  ;  and  the  massive  iron 
WHS  lu-aul  rushing  past  the  officcni,  bound  on  its  murderous  mission.  A  mo- 
ment or  two  ol  intense  anxiety  elapsed  ;  and  when  at  length  the  rolling  vol- 
umes of  smoke  gradually  floated  away,  to  tho  dismay  and  disappointment  of 
all,  tho  llerco  warrior  was  seen  standing  apparently  unharmed  on  the  .same 
spot  in  the  rigging.  The  shot  had,  however,  been  well  aimed,  for  a  large  rent 
in  tho  outstretched  canvass,  close  at  his  side,  and  about  mid-height  of  his 
person,  marked  the  direction  it  had  taken.  Again  ho  tore  away,  and  trium- 
phantly waved  tho  black  Hag  around  his  head,  while  from  hig  capacious  lungs 
there  l)urst  yells  of  defiance  and  scorn,  that  could  be  distinguished  for  his 
own  even  at  that  distance.  This  done,  ho  again  secured  the  death  symbol  to 
its  place ;  and  gliding  to  the  deck  by  a  single  rope,-  appeared  to  give  orders  to 
the  few  men  of  the  crew  who  were  to  be  seen ;  for  every  stitch  of  canvass 
was  again  made  to  lill,  and  tho  vessel,  bounding  forward  before  the  breeze 
then  blowing  upon  her  qiiarter,  shot  rapidly  behind  the  town,  and  was  finally 
seen  to  cast  anchor  in  the  navigable  channel  that  divides  Hog  Island  from  the 
shores  of  Canada. 

At  the  discharge  of  the  eighteen  pounder,  the  river  had  been  suddenly 
c'.e;»red,  as  if  by  magic,  of  evt-ry  canoe  ;  while,  warned  by  the  same  danger, 
tne  groups  of  inhabitants,  assembled  on  the  bank,  had  rushed  for  shelter  to 
their  respective  homes  ;  so  that,  when  the  schooner  disappeared,  not  a  vestigo 
of  human  life  was  to  be  seen  along  that  vista  so  recently  peopled  with  human 
forms.  An  order  from  Colonel  de  Haldimar  to  the  adjutant,  countermanding 
the  sortie,  Avas  the  first  interruption  to  the  silence  that  had  continued  to  per- 
vade the  little  band  of  officers  ;  and  two  or  three  of  these  having  hastened  to 
the  western  front  of  the  rampart,  in  order  to  obtain  a  more  distinct  view  of 
the  rtovements  of  the  schooner,  their  example  was  speedily  followed  by  the 
remainder,  all  of  whom  now  quitted  the  platform,  and  repaired  to  the  same 
point. 

Hero,  with  the  aid  of  their  telescopes,  they  again  distinctly  commanded  a 
view  of  the  vessel,  which  lay  motionless  close  under  the  sandy  beach  of  the 
island,  and  exhibiting  all  the  lechnicalities  of  skill  in  tho  disposition  of  sails 
and  yards  peculiar  to  the  profession.  In  vain,  however,  was  every  eye  strain- 
ed to  "discover,  among  the  multitudes  of  savages  that  kept  momentarily  leaping 
to  her  deck,  the  forms  of  those  in  whom  they  were  most  interested.  A  group 
of  some  half  <to/,en  men,  apparently  common  .sailor.s,  and  those,  in  all  proba- 
bility, whose  services  had  been  compelled  in  the  working  of  the  ves.sel,  were 
the  only  evidences  that  civiliseil  mM\  formed  a  portion  of  that  grotesque  as- 
.semblage.  These.  A\'ith  their  arms  eviilently  boimd  behind  their  backs,  and 
placed  on  one  if  th.^  j.',.iiiir\viiy:'.  w rre  only  vi,--'b!e  at  intervals,  as  the  band  of 


m 


wacousta;  ur,  thk  i'Rophecy 


savages  that  suiToiindecl  ttii'in.  hraiidishinp;  thoir  loinaliawks  ftrouml  ihoir 
heads,  ocTasionally  left  an  opcuinj;  in  thi'ir  t'irclo.  Thi-  loniiii!;il>li'  warrior  of 
the  Klour  do  Lis  was  no  lunji,t»r  to  bo  Been,  although  the  Has  which  ho  hail 
hoisted  sti.ll  fluttered  in  the  broe/e. 

'■  All  ig  lost,  thou,-'  ojaeulato<l  the  p;ovenu)r,  with  a  niourufiilness  of  voice 
and  inai\nor  that  caused  many  of  his  ofllcers  to  turn  and  refrard  him  with 
surprise.  "  That  black  flafi  announces  the  triumph  of  my  foe  in  llie  too  cer- 
tain destruction  of  niv  chihhvn.  Now.  indewi."  he  concluded  in  a  loweitone. 
'■  for  the  first  time,  i\oo8  the  curso  of  Ellen  Ilalloway  sit  heavily  upon  my 
soul." 

A  deep  sifjih  burst  from  one  inimodi  vtely  behind  him.  The  governor  turned 
.suddenly  rouml  and  beheld  his  .son.  Never  did  hiunan  countenance  wear  a 
character  of  more  poipiant  misery  than  that  of  the  unhappy  Ciiarlcs  ab  the 
moment.  Attracted  by  the  report  of  the  cannon,  he  had  llown  to  the  ram- 
jMirt  to  asc'crtain  tlie  cause,  and  had  reached  his  (lomjiauions  only  to  learn  tli« 
stronjr  hope  so  recently  kind'ed  in  his  breast  wa.s  fled  for  ever.  His  cheek, 
over  which  huujr  his  noitlected  hair,  was  now  jiale  as  marble,  and  his  lip* 
bloodless  and  parted  ;  yet,  ,  -twilhstandin);-  this  intensity  of  jjcrsonal  sorrow, 
a  tear  had  started  to  his  eye,  apparently  wrung  from  him  by  this  unu.sual  ex- 
pression of  dismay  in  his  father. 

'•  Charles — my  son — my  only  now  reinaininf!;  child,"  nuirnnired  the  gov- 
ernor, with  emotion,  as  ho  rema'-ked  and  started  at  tlie  death-liko  innigo  of 
the  youth  ;  ''  look  not  thu.s,  or  you  will  utterl}'  unman  me." 

A  sudden  and  involuntary  impulse  <:au,sed  him  to  extend  his  arms.  The 
younj;  otficer  sprang  forward  into  the  protfered  embrace,  and  sank  his  head 
upon  the  cheek  of  his  father.  It  was  the  lirst  time  he  had  enjoyed  that  priv- 
ilege since  his  cjiildhood  ;  and  even  overwhelmed  as  he  wan  by  his  alliiction, 
he  felt  it  deeply. 

This  short  but  touching  scene  wns  witnessed  by  their  comi)anions,  without 
levity  in  any,  and  with  emotion  by  several.  None  felt  more  gratified  at  this 
<lemonstration  of  parental  allection  for  the  sensitive  boy,  than '  Blessington  luid 
Erskine, 

''  1  tiannot  yet  persuade  myself."  obseiTed  the  former  oflicer,  as  the  colonel 
again  assinned  that  difinity  of  demeanor  whii'h  had  been  momentarily  lost 
sight  of  in  the  ebuP'tion  of  his  feelings, — '•  I  cannot  yet  persuade  my.self 
things  are  altof.  ether  so  bad  a^  they  appear.  Jt  is  true  the  .schooner  is  in  the 
possession  of  the  enemy,  but  there  is  nothing  to  |  rove  our  friends  are  on 
board. 

•'  If  you  had  reason  io  know  hini  into  whose  hands  she  has  fallen,  as  1  do, 
you  would  think  differently.  Captain  Blessington,"  returned  the  governor. 
''  That  mysterious  being,"  he  pursued,  after  a  short  paiise,  '■  would  never 
have  made  this  parade  of  his  conquest,  had  it  related  merely  to  a  few  lives, 
which  to  liim  are  of  i  tter  insignificance.  'J'he  very  substitution  of  yon  black 
Hag,  in  his  insolent  triumph,  was  the  pledge  of  redcmjition  of  a  threat  breath- 
ed in  my  car  within  this  very  fort ;  on  what  o(;casion  I  need  not  state,  since 
the  events  connected  with  that  unhappy  night  are  still  fresh  in  the  recolleo 
tions  of  KS  all.  'fhat  he  is  my  jjcnsonal  enemy,  gentlemen,  it  M'ould  be  in 
vain  to  disguise  from  you  ;  although  who  he  is,  or  of  what  nature  his  enmity, 
it  innKuts  not  now  to  enter  upon.  Suffice  it,  1  have  little  doubt  my  children 
are  in  his  power  ;  but  whether  the  black  flag  indicates  they  are  no  more,  or 
that  the  tragedy  is  only  in  jn-eparation,  1  confess  1  am  at  a  loss  to  understand." 

Deeply  atiectcd  by  tfie  evident  despondency  that  had  dictated  these  unusual 
iVLlmissions  on  the  part  of  their  chief,  the  otliccrs  wei'c  t()rwar(l  to  combat  the 
inferences  he  had  lirawn;  several  coiniMtiing  in  the  opinion  now  expressed  by 
Captain  Wentworth,  that  the  ftu't  of  the  schooner  having  fallen  into  the  hands 
of  the  savages  by  no  means  implied  the  capture  of  the  fort  whence  she  camo ; 
sioce  it  was  not  at  all  unlikely  she  hud  been  chased  during  a  cahn  by  the  nu- 


\V  A  c;  O  V  u  f  A  ;      O  ll  ,     T  ll  K      l'  B  O  P  U  K  C  Y  . 


17B 


inerouH  canoes  iuU)  tlio  Sinclair,  uhcic,  owing  lo  the  oxUvmo  luuTowuess  of 
tho  river,  she  hmi  liilicn  an  easy  pri'y. 

'•  Morei  ir,''  oliscrvcd  ( 'aptain  l?lessinfrtan,  "  it  is  highly  imurobiiblc  tho 
fenK'ious  warrior  <,'oul(l  have  siiccw'ded  in  ciptiiring  any  others  than  the  un- 
fortunate crew  of  the  schooner ;  for  had  this  been  tho  case,  ho  would  uot 
have  lost  tlie  opijorlunity  of  crownini^,'  liin  triumph  by  exhibiting  his  victims 
to  our  view^  in  some,  conspicuous  part  of  (lio  vessel," 

'•  This,  1  >;rant  you,"  rejoined  the  (foveruor  "  to  be  cue  Holitai'y  cux;um- 
staiice  in  our  favor  ;  but  may  it  not,  after  all,  merely  prove  that  our  worst  ap- 
prehensions are  already  realised .''' 

•'  He  is  not  one.  methinks,  since  vengeance  seems  lus  rJm,  to  oxeriMSo  it  id 
so  Huminary,  ami  tlieiefore  nierciful,  a  manner.  Depend  upon  it,  colonel,  hud 
any  one  of  those  in  whom  we  are  nkore  immediately  interested,  fallen  into  his 
hands,  he  would  not  have  fuiliHi  to  insult  and  aj2;oniso  us  by  an  exhibition  Qf 
his  prisoners." 

"  Vou  are  rii^hl,  Uh-ssinntoii  "  exclaimed  (Jimrles  de  Iluldiinar,  in  a  voice 
that  his  cliolvin;)'  Icolinss  rendcu'd  almost  sc))ulchral ;  "  he  <.a  not  one  to  ex- 
ercise his  vunt;oiuicc  in  a  sunuuary  and  merciful  manner.  1'he  deed  is  yet  un- 
aecouiplLshed.  for  even  now  (he  curse  of  Kllcn  JhiHoway  riuf!;s  ai^ain  in  my 
ear,  and  tells  me  the  aloniuK  blood  must  be  s^iilt  o<.  '.he  grave  of  her  hus- 
band." 

The  piH'uliar  tone  in  which  these  words  were  utteretl,  caused  every  one  pre- 
sent to  turn  and  rejjard  the  speaker,  for  they  recalled  the  prophetic  language 
of  the  unhapiiy  woman.  Tlieru  was  now  a  wildness  of  expression  in  liis  hand- 
some features,  marking  the  mind  utterly  dead  to  hope,  yet  struggling  to  work 
itself  up  to  jtassive  endurance  of  the  worst,  (yolonel  de  Ilalchmar  si^;iied 
paiufidly,  as  he  bent  his  eve  half  reproiu^hfully  on  the  dull  and  atteimated 
features  of  his  son  ;  an<i  altiiough  he  spoke  not,  his  look  betraye<l  tho  anguish 
that  allusion  had  called  up  to  iiis  heart. 

•'  Ha  !  what  mnv  movement  is  that  on  the  part  of  the  savages?"  exclaimoU 
Captain  Krskine,  who  had  kept  his  glass  to  his  eyo  mechanically,  and  chiefly 
with  a  view  of  hiding  the  emotion  produced  in  him  by  the  almost  intiintine 
despair  of  the  younger  de  JIaldimar:  "surely  it  is — yet,  no,  it  cannot  be — 
yes,  see  bow  (hey  are  dragging  .several  prisoners  from  the  wood  to  tho  beach. 
I  can  distinctly  see  a  man  in  a  lilanket  coat,  and  two  others  consideri> bly 
taller,  and  appiuvntly  sailors.  Hut  look,  behind  them  are  two  fenudes  in  iiu- 
ropean  dress.     Almighty  heaven  !  there  can  be  no  doubt." 

A  painful  pause  ensued.  Kvery  other  glass  and  eye  was  levelled  in  tins  same 
direction  ;  .ind.  as  Krskine  had  described  it,  a  party  of  Indians  were  seen,  by 
those  who  had  the  telescopes,  conducting  live  prisoners  towanls  a  canoo  that 
lay  ui  the  chaimcl  coinnumicating  from  the  ishind  with  the  main  land  on  the 
Detroit  shore.  Into  the  bottom  of  these  tliey  were  presently  huddled,  so 
that  only  their  heads  and  .shoulders  were  visible  above  the  guuwalo  of 
the  frail  bark.  Presently  a  tall  warrior  was  seen  bomiding  from  the  wood 
towards  the  beach.  The  crowd  of  gtjsticulating  Indians  made  way,  and  tlie 
warrior  was  seen  to  stoop  and  apply  his  shoulder  to  the  canoe,  one  half  of 
which  was  high  and  dry  upon  the  .sands.  Tho  heavily  laden  vessel  obey- 
wl  tho  impetus  with  a  rapidity  that  proved  the  nuis(!ulur  power  of  him  who 
gave  it.  Like  .some  wild  animal,  instinct  with  life,  it  lashed  the  foaming 
waters  fiom  its  bows,  and  left  a  deep  and  gurgling  furrow  where  it  jMtss- 
ed.  As  it  (piitted  the  shore  the  warrior  sprang  lightly  in,  taking  his  sta- 
tion at  the  stern;  and  while  his  tall  and  remarkable  tlgure  bent  nimbly 
to  the  movement,  lie  dashed  his  paddle  from  right  to  left  alternately  iu  the 
stream,  with  a  ([uickness  that  rendered  ii  almost  invisible  to  the  eye.  Pre- 
sently the  canoe  disappeared  round  an  intei  vening  headland,  and  the  olHcers 
lost  sight  of  it  altogether. 

"  The  portiait.  Charles ;  what  have  you  done  with  the  portrait  ?"  exclaimed 
Captain  IJlessiugton.  :u'tuated  by  a  sudden  recollection,  and  with  a  trepidatiou 


176 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


in  his  voice  and  manner  that  spoko  vohimes  of  despair  to  the  younger  dc  Hal- 
diniar.  "  This  is  our  only  hope  of  solving  the  mystery.  Quick,  give  mo  tho 
portrait,  if  you  have  it." 

The  young  officer  hurriedly  tore  tho  miniature  from  tho  breast  of  his  imi- 
form,  and  pitched  it  through  the  interval  that  separated  him  from  his  captain, 
who  stood  a  few  feet  oif ;  but  with  so  uncertain  and  trembling  an  aim.  it 
mis.sed  the  hand  extended  to  secure  it,  and  fell  upon  tho  very  stone  the  youth 
had  formerly  pointed  out  to  BIcssington,  as  marking  tho  particular  spot  on 
which  he  stood  during  the  execution  of  Halloway.  The  violence  of  the  fall 
separated  the  back  of  the  frame  from  the  picture  itself,  when  suddenly  a  pioco 
of  white  and  crumbled  pajier,  apjiarently  part  of  the  lack  of  a  letter,  yet  cut 
the  size  and  shape  of  the  miniature,  was  exhibited  to  the  view  of  all. 

"  Ha  !"  resinned  the  gratified  Hlcssington,  as  he  stooped  to  possess  himself 
of  the  prize  ;  "  1  knew  the  miniature  avouU}  be  found  to  contain  .some  intelli- 
gence i'rom  our  fi'iends.  It  is  only  this  moment  it  occurred  to  me  to  take  it 
to  pieces,  but  accident  has  anticipated  my  purpose.  Mny  the  omen  prove  a 
good  one  !     But  what  have  we  here?" 

With  some  ditliculty.  the  anxious  oftif"  i  now  succeeded  in  making  out  the 
chara<'tei-s.  wlsich,  in  default  of  pen  or  pencil,  had  been  formed  by  the  prick- 
ing of  a  finii  jiin  on  the  paper.  The  broken  sentences,  on  which  t!ie  whole 
of  the  grout)  now  hung  with  greedy  ear,  ran  nearly  f!  follows  : — ''  Al  is  lost. 
Michillimackiuac  is  taken.  \Vc  are  prisoners,  and  doomed  to  die  within  eight 
and  forty  hours.  Alas  !  Clai'a  and  Madeluie  are  of  out  number.  Still  there 
is  a  hope,  if  my  father  deem  it  prudent  to  incur  the  risk.  A  surprise,  well 
mannge'l.  may  do  nnicii ;  but  it  unist  be  to-morrow  night ;  forty-eight  hours 
more,  and  it  will  be  of  no  avail.  Ho  v.lu)  will  deliver  this  is  our  iVi'Til,  and 
the  enemy  of  my  father's  enemy.  Ho  will  be  in  the  spot  at  the  same  .our  to- 
morrow nigiit,  and  will  conduct  tlio  detachment  to  wherever  we  may  chance 
to  be.  U'  you  fail  in  your  enterpri.ie,  receive  our  last  prayers  for  a  less  disas- 
trous fate.     Ciod  ble.ss  you  all !" 

The  blood  ran  coldly  through  every  vein  during  the  perusal  of  these  impor- 
tant sentences,  but  not  one  word  of  comment  was  ottered  by  an  indivithia!  of 
the  group.  No  explanation  was  necessary.  The  captiv  ^s  m  tho  canoe,  tho 
tall  warrior  in  its  stern,  all  sufficiently  betrayed  the  horrible  truth.  Colonel 
de  Haldimar  at  length  turned  iui  eucjuiring  look  id  his  two  captains,  and  then 
addressing  the  adjutant,  asked —  W^hat  companies  are  off'  duty  to-day,  Mr. 
Lawson  ?" 

''  Mine,"  said  IJlessington.  with  an  energj'  that  denoted  how  deeply  rejoiced 
he  felt  at  the  fact,  without  giving  tho  adjutant  time  to  "cply, 

'•  And  mine,''  impetuously  ad('.ed  Captain  Erskine  ;  "and  (with  an  oath)  I 
will  answei-  for  them  ;  they  never  embarked  on  a  duty  of  that  sort  with  greater 
zeal  than  they  will  on  this  occasion." 

''(Jentlcnuii,  i  thank  yon,"  said  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  with  deep  en:, jtion, 
as  he  stej))K'(l  forward  and  gi'asped  in  turn  tho  hand  >  of  the  generous-hearted 
officers.     '•  To  heaven,  and  to  your  exeitions,  do  1  conunit  my  children  !" 

"  Any  artillery,  colonel?"  eiKjuired  the  officer  of  that  corj,s. 

"  No,  AV'eiitworth,  no  artillery.  Whatever  remains  to  be  done,  must  be 
achieved  by  the  bayonet  alone,  and  under  favor  of  the  darkness.  Gentlemen, 
again  1  thank  you  for  this  generous  interest  in  my  children — this  forwardness 
in  an  enterprise  on  which  depend  the  lives  of  so  many  doivr  liiends.  1  am  not 
given  to  express  warm  emotion,  but  I  do,  indeed,  apprwiate  this  conduct 
deeply."  He  then  moved  away,  desiring  Mr.  'lawson,  as  he  quitted  the  ram- 
part, to  cause  the  men  for  this  serv'ce  to  be  got  in  instant  readiness. 

Following  the  example  of  their  colonel,  C;iptaiii  Hlessington  and  Krskine 
qnitte<l  the  rampart  also,  hastening  to  satisfy  themselves  by  personal  inspec- 
tion of  the  elli'lency  in  all  respects  of  their  several  companies;  ami  in  a  Haw 
minutes,  the  only  individual  to  bo  seen  in  that  quarter  of  tho  works  was  the 
sentinel,  who  had  been  a  silent  and  jtained  witness  of  all  that  passed  a.nong 
his  olji;vrs. 


W  A  C  0  IJ  S  T  A  ;      OR,      THE      l»  R  O  T  11  E  C  Y  . 


m 


CHAPTER   XXVIf. 


Sufficient  has  linen  sliown,  iVoin  tlii^  couvorsatiaiw  ainonn;  bis  ofllccrs, 
clsewliere  tiiuiscrih'.'d,  to  ivcouiit  for  Ww  ,n;ovornor's  roiuliict  in  the  case  of 
Halloway.  'Phut  tlie.reconiniciiiliitions  ot'iiis  son,  ('a])l;un  dc  llaWimar,  had  not 
been  atten<lid  li>,  arose  not  iVoni  any  jiarticiihir  iU-wili  towards  the  unhappy 
nnin,  bnt  simply  hecausi'  he  iiad  always  lu'cn  in  the  h;ibit  of  niakin,2  liis  own 
selections  iVoni  tlie  ranlis.  and  that  Ihe  jiivscnl  rei'oniHieiidation  had  been 
warmly  nr;;ed  by  one  whom  he  fancied  ])reteni!ed  lo  a  diserimination  superior 
to  liis  own.  in  pointin,;;'  ont  merits  that  had  escaped  his  observation.  It  inif^ht 
be,  too.  that  there  WiXi'  a  hitent  iiride  about  the  manner  of  Halloway  that  dis- 
pleased and  dissalislied  one  wlui  looked  upon  his  subordinates  as  things  that 
were  amenable  to  the  haniihtiness  of  liis  };lanee. — not  enough  of  deference  in 
his  demeanor,  nor  of  supplicatiuu'  obseipiionsness  in  his  speech,  to  entitle  him 
to  the  |)roin  tion  praye(i  for.  Whatever  the  motive,  there  was  nothiiif;  of  per- 
sonality to  influence  him  in  the  rejection  ol  the  a])])eid  niach;  in  favor  of  one 
who  iiad  never  ii'jiived  jiim;  but  wlio.  on  the  contrary,  as  the  wliole  of  the 
regiment   'ould  attest,  isad  .saved  the  lil'c  ol'his  son. 

Rijj;id  discipiiiinriun  a-:  h(^  was,  and  holdini;'  himself  responsible  for  the  safety 
of  the  ;.';ai'rison.  it  was  but  natural,  when  the  discovery  liad  been  made  of  the 
unaccountable  nnfastenin;.''  of  the  Rate  of  the  fort,  susjiicion  of  no  ordinary  kind 
.sliould  attach  to  the  sentinel  ])osted  tiiere  ;  and  that  he  should  steadily  refuse 
all  crwience  to  a  story  wearing;-  so  much  ai)pear;inc"  of  imiirobability.  I'roud, 
and  inilexilile,  and  bi>.rote  1  to  lirst,  im]iressi(nis.  jiis  mind  was  ck).sed  a<:;ainst 
tho.se  patliatinu;  circumstances,  ■whicii,  adduced  by  Halloway  in  his  defence,  had 
so  mainlv  contributed  lo  slam])  the  conviction  of  his  moral  iiniocence  on  the 
minds  of  his  jiidues  anil  the  attentive  atiditory  ;  and  could  lie  even  have  con- 
<piered  his  ])ride  ,so  far  as  to  have  admitted  the  belief  of  thi»t  innocence,  still 
the  military  crime  of  which  he  had  been  unilty,  in  inlViiiLrinp;  a  positive  order 
of  the  p;arrison,  was  in  itself  sniiicient  lo  call  i'ortli  all  the  unrelentinii;  severity 
of  his  nature.  'riirouLihout  the  whole  of  the  jiroc.'edinjrs  subse(|uentl3'  insti- 
tiiled.  he  had  acied  and  sji'ikcn  iVom  a  peil'ect  conviction  of  the  treason  of  the 
imforliniate  soldier,  an-!  \sitl!  tlie  I'ullisl  impression  of  the  falsehood  of  all  that 
had  been  oli'ercd  in  bis  det'cncc.  'I'iie  consideration-'  that  inllneneed  the  minds 
of  his  ollicers,  I'ound  no  entrance  into  liis  proud  bi'easl.  wliieh.  was  dosed 
af!;ainst  everythin;.;'  but  his  own  di'.rnilied  sen.se  of  siijieiior  jndirmcnt.  tJould  ho, 
like  Hum.  have  ,mvca  credence  to  the  tale  of  Halloway,  or  really  have  believed 
that  Captain  de  llaidimar.  educated  under  his  own  military  eye,  could  have 
been  so  wantin;:'  in  subordination,  as  not  merely  to  have  infrinjied  a  positive  or- 
der of  the  li'arrison.  but  lo  have  made  a  i)rivate  soldier  of  that  fiarrison  acces- 
sary to  his  (ieliiKpiency.  it  is  more  than  jirobable  his  stern  habits  of  military 
di.scipline  winild  ha\e  caused  him  to  overlook  tlie  olTence  of  the  soldier,  in 
deeper  iiidis^nr.lion  at  the  conduct  of  the  intinitely  more  cul]iable  oflicer ;  but 
not  one  word  did  he  credit  of  a  statement,  which  he  Jissumed  had  been  jrot  up 
by  the  prisoner  with  (he  mere  view  of  shieldini;  himself  from  punishment:  and 
when  to  these  suspicioiH  of  his  tidelity  was  attached  the  liict  of  the  introduc- 
tion of  his  alarmin;;'  visiter,  it  must  be  confessed  his  motives  for  indulging  in 
this  belief  wire  not  wiliiout  fiundaliiui. 

The  imp.itienee  maml'ested  during'  tlie  tri.d  of  Halloway  was  not  a  result  of 
any  desire  of  systiiuniie  lu'isecuiion.  but  of  a  sense  of  woundi'il  difrnity.  It 
was  a  thiie.;'  unheard  of  and  iui|)an]onable  in  his  eyes,  for  a  private  soldier  to 
a8s<Tt,  in  ills  presdi  e.  his  honor  and  his  respecttibility  in  extenuation,  even 
while  admiltiii;.'-  tlic  Justice  of  a  specilic  (■harj^'e  ;  e.nu  Avlien  he  remarked  the 
c^nrl  listenin;;'  willi  that  jirotound  e.ltenlion.  which  the  peculiar  history  of  the 
pri.soner  had  excited,  he  could  not  rejiross  tlie  manifestation  of  his  an.uer.  In 
justice  to  him.  however,  it  must  be  acknowled'red  th:'t.  in  causing  the  charge, 

12 


178 


WACOUSTA 


O  R 


THE      PROPHECY. 


to  which  the  unfortunate  man  pleiulcd  Ruilty,  to  be  ri',\iiKMl.  lie  lind  only  acted 
from  the  conviction  tliat.  on  the  two  first,  there  was  not  sufiicient  eviflence  to 
condemn  one  whose  crime  was  as  clearly  estahlislied.  to  his  jiidL'ment.  as  if  ho 
had  been  an  eye-witness  of  the  treason.  It  is  true,  lie  availed  himself  of  Ilal- 
loway's  voluntary  confession,  to  olfect  his  condemnation  ;  but  estimating  him 
as  A  traitor,  he  felt  little  delicacy  was  necessary  to  be  observed  on  that  .score. 

Much  of  the  de,<<i)otic  military  character  of  (Julonel  de  Ilaldimar  had  been 
commimicated  to  his  jirivate  life ;  so  nuich,  indeed,  that  his  sons, — both  of 
whom,  it  has  been  seen,  were  of  natures  that  belied  their  origin  from  .so  stern 
a  stock, — were  icept  at  nearly  as  jii'tal  a  distance  from  him  as  any  other  sub- 
ordinates of  his  refriment.  lint  i'ltlion.irh  he  seMom  indni'j:ed  in  manifestations 
of  parental  re;j;ard  towards  those  whom  he  looked  upon  rather  as  inferior.*  in 
military  rank,  than  as  beiues  c'jmiected  witli  him  by  the  ties  of  blood,  Colonel 
de  Ilaldimar  was  not  witluml  that  instinctive  love  for  his  children,  which 
every  animal  in  the  (creation  feels  foi-  its  oU'sprinjr.  Tie,  also,  valued  and  took 
a  priile  in,  })ecanse  they  reilecte<l  a  certain  dep-ee  of  lustre  uiion  himself,  the 
talents  and  accomplishments  of  his  eldest  son.  who,  moreover,  wi  s  a  brave, 
cnterju-isinij'  Dtlieer,  and.  oidy  w.'uited.  in  his  father's  estiniatimi.  that  severity 
of  carriati'e  and  haiUein'  of  (ii'])')i-iiiienr.  ln'titliti;.';  hin  son.  to  render  him  ])er- 
fect.  .Vs  ii>r  CharK'S. — tiic  !:eutie.  lilami.  winnin.ii'.  nnivei'Sfdly  conciliating 
Charles, — ho  looked  njion  liim  a  niei'c  weak  boy.  who  could  iirvcr  hope  to  ar- 
rive ift  ;iny  {tost  of  distiiirii(,n,  if  only  by  reason  of  the  extreme  delicacy  of  his 
physical  oraanisation  ;  and  to  h;ive  shown  anyihin".  like  res])ect  foi-  his  char- 
acter, indnliicd  in  any  expression  of  tenderness  for  one  so  far  below  his  esti- 
mate of  wliat  a  soldie'-.  a  cliild  of  his.  oneht  to  be.  w<mld  have  been  a  conces- 
sion of  which  his  prou'l  nati;re  was  ine;i]>ab]e.  In  his  daiip'h'cr  ( 'hira.  Iwjwevcr, 
the  p'n tier-ess  of  si'X  claimed  that  warmer  alli'clion  which  was  deided  to  him 
who  resetnbleil  her  in  aim<)>t  cvety  atiriiaiti'  of  mind  and  ;)crson.  Colonel  de 
Haldiniar  I'.oated  on  his  (■;;u;'!iler  with  a  teiidi'rness,  (or  Vihich  few  who  were 
familiar  with  !ii<  hai-sii  and  unbt-ndinij:  nature,  ever  fjave  him  credit.  She  was 
the  imaLiV  of  one  on  whom  .'ili  :.\'  love  that  he  had  ever  known  had  been  cen- 
tered;  and  he  had  continued  in  Clara  an  allection,  that  seemed  in  itself  to 
form  a  ])ortii)n.  distinct  and  a])art.  of  his  existence. 

We  have  alrea<!y  seen,  as  stated  by  Chai'ies  de  Ilaldimar  to  the  unli)itu- 
nate  wife  of  llalioway.  with  what  little  success  he  had  pleaded  in  the  inter- 
view he  had  rcouested  of  I'.is  lather  for  the  jireserver  of  his  ;vallant  brother's 
life;  and  v,'e.  have-  .also  seen  how  ciiu.aily  inciiicient  \vas  the  lowly  and  sti|)pli- 
catinsi'  ana:uish  of  that  wretchi'd  iK'inix.  when  on  (piittins  the  apartment  of  his 
son.  Colonel  de  lialdim;!r  had  so  unexpectedly  found  himself  clasped  m  her 
despairing  embrace,  llui'e  was  little  to  be  exj)ectcd  from  an  intercession  on 
the  jiart  of  one  clanninj:-  so  little  ascendancy  over  his  father's  heart  as  the 
universally  esteemed  young  oilicer  ;  still  less  fi'oni  one  who.  in  her  shriek  of 
agony,  had  exiM>sed  the  hamihty  chief  to  the  observation  both  of  men  and 
olticers,  and  under  ciicumstanccs  that  canscil  his  position  to  border  on  the  lu- 
dicrous. 15ni  however  these  considerations  might  have  failed  in  eifect,  there 
was  another  wiiich.  as  a  soldier,  he  could  not  wholly  overlook.  Although  he 
had  offered  no  connnent  on  the  extraordin.'ii'v  recommendation  to  mercy  an- 
nexed to  the  sentence  of  the  prisoner,  it  had  a  certain  weight  with  him ;  and 
he  felt,  all  absolute  even  as  he  was,  he  could  not,  without  exciting  sti'ong  dis- 
satisfactiim  among  his  troops,  refuse  attention  to  a  document  so  powerfully 
worded,  and  beai'ing  the  signature  and  a|»pvoval  of  so  old  and  valuable  an 
officer  as  Cuptain  l{lessinrj,ton.  [lis  deternnnalion,  thcvefijre,  had  been  formed, 
even  before  his  vitit  to  his  .'<on,  to  act  as  circumstances  nught  reipiire;  and, 
in  the  meanwhile,  he  comtaanded  every  preparation  f  )r  tlio  execution  to  be 
made. 

In  causing  it  iitrong  detiichment  to  be  marched  to  the  conspicuous  point 
chosen  for  his  purpose,  he  had  acted  from  a  conviction  of  the  necessity  of 
showing  the  enemy  the  treason  of  the  soldier  had  been  dctc-ted  ;  reserving 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      UK,     THE     P  R  0  1»  JT  K  C  Y  . 


im* 


to  himself  the  iletcrniination  of  carryinfi  the  sentence  into  fnll  effect,  or  par^ 
doning  the  con<.lenineil,  us  tlit-  c'voiit  ini^ht  wari'imt.  ^"ot  one  moment,  mcan-- 
wliile,  (lid  lie  doubt  tlie  pniit  of  'lall'nvay,  whose  description  of  the  person 
of  his  enemy  was,  in  itself,  to  him.  confirmatory  evidence  of  his  treason.  It 
is  doul)tful  whether  he  would,  in  any  way.  have  been  intluenced  by  the  reconi!- 
mendation  of  the  court,  had  the  first  charp^t^s  been  substantiated ;  but  sis 
there  was  nothing  but  conjecture  to  bear  out  those,  and  as  the  prisoner  lM«d. 
been  convicted  onl}'  on  the  jrroTuid  of  suill'rin,!>'  ( 'ajitain  de  Haldimar  to  qudrft 
the  fort  contrary  to  oi'ders,  he  felt  he  mi,i;ht  jujssibly  go  too  far  in  carryingf 
the  capital  punishment  into  effect,  in  dcciiled  opposition  to  t.io  gcnersd  fbeling 
of  the  garrison, — both  of  officers  and  men. 

When  the  shot  was  subseiiueutly^red  from  the  hut  of  tlie  (Jan<Miian.  and 
the  daring  rifleman  recoj-nised  as  the  same  fearful  indivi(hial  who  had  gained 
access  to  his  apartment  the  preceding  night,  conviction  of  the  guilt  of  llallo- 
way  came  even  de('[ier  home  to  the  mind  of  the  govei'uor.  It  was  tlirough 
Francois  alone  that  a  communicrtiou  was  kept  up  secretly  between  the  gar- 
rison and  several  of  the  ( ':iiiHil';ni.-;  without  the  fort  ;  and  the  very  fact  of^tfie 
m}'steiious  warrior  having  been  there  so  recently  after  his  daring  enteryirise 
bore  evidence  that  what'.'ver  ticasun  was  in  (ipiyation.  had  been  can-icd  oci 
througli  the  insfrumeuiality  of  mine  host  of  the  l''leur  ile  Lis.  In  pro4>t 
moreowT.  tliere  was  the  hat  of  Konellan.  and  the  veiy  rope  Ifallowtiy  hsBtA 
stated  to  lie  that  by  which  the  unfort'.uiati.'  oIKcer  had  eli'ected  his  exit.  OoIck 
nel  de  Haldimar  was  not  one  '.riven  to  indulge  in  the  mysterious  or  to  bcliove 
in  the  roiiiaiiti''.  Iv.erytliing  was  ]i!ain  matter  of  fact,  as  it  now  apfx'arwi 
before  him  ;  and  he  thou  vht  i(  evideiit,  as  'Itongh  it  Ii.mI  lieen  written  in  wonls 
of  fire,  that  if  his  .>on  and  his  ai'loi-iiniate  servant  iiad  <piitted  the  fort  in  tf«r 
manner  repre-;i'iUed.  it  was  no  less  certain  they  liai!  licii  tinx'ed  off  by  a  jKirtr. 
at  t!ie  head  of  whom  was  his  vindictive  eu'iiiy,  and  with  the  connivaiux'  of 
Ilalloway.  A\'e  have  seen,  tlcit  alter  the  discovery  of  the  se.x  of  the  suppofiv^ 
drunnner-boy  w  hen  the  prisoners  were  confronted  together,  Colonel  dc  Hal- 
dimar had  closely  watched  the  expression  of  theii'  countenances,  but  faile<l  in 
discovering  anything  that  could  be  tnux'd  into  evidence  of  a  guilty  recognitioa. 
Slill  he  conceived  his  ori.iinal  imjiression  to  have  been  too  forcibly  borne  out 
even  by  the  events  of  the  hist  half  hour,  to  allow  this  to  have  nnich  weigrftt 
with  him  ;  and  his  determination  to  carry  the  thing  through  all  its  fearfui 
preiiminarj-  stages  became  more  and  more  conlirmefl. 

In  adopting  this  resolution  in  tlie  lirst  instance,  he  was  not  without  a  hope- 
that  Ilalloway,  standing,  as  he  must  feel  himself  to  be,  on  the  verge  of  tlie 
grave,  might  be  induced  to  make  confession  of  his  guilt,  and  coinmunioate 
whatever  particulars  might  prove  essential  not  only  to  the  safety  of  the  gar- 
rison generally,  but  tO  himself  individually,  as  far  as  his  personal  enemy  wius 
(X)ncerned.  With  this  view,  he  had  charged  Captain  Blessington.  in  tlMi 
course  of  their  n)  <reh  from  the  hut  to  the  fatal  bridge,  to  promise  a  full  par- 
don, provided  he  .shoidd  uiaki^  such  confession  of  his  crime  as  wouid  lead  to  a 
just  appreciation  of  the  evils  likely  to  result  from  the  ti'eason  that  haxf  in 
part  been  accomplished.  Even  in  making  this  ))rovision.  however,  which  \i.-as 
met  by  the  prisoner  with  solemn  yet  diunified  iviteration  of  his  innoitnce. 
Colonel  de  Ilaldnnar  had  not  made  the  reliisal  of  pardon  altogether  conclu- 
sive in  his  own  mind  :  still,  in  adopting  this  plan,  there  was  a  cluince  of  ob- 
taining a  confession  ;  and  not  until  there  was  no  lonjrd-  ^  jiros^'cct  of  the  ai»- 
liappy  man  being  led  into  that  confession,  did  he  feel  it  imperative  on  him  tc 
stay  the  progress  of  the  tragedy. 

What  the  result  would  have  been,  had  not  Ilalloway.  in  the  .'trong  excre- 
ment of  his  feelings,  sprung  to  his  leet  ujkui  the  (rolHn,  utttring  ti;e  exclarasr 
tiou  of  triumph,  is  sciirceiy  doubtful.  However  nnich  the  governor  rtHgltt 
have  contenmed  and  slight-'d  a  credulity  in  which  he  in  no  way  partieii»ktijd 
'^imself,  he  had  too  n\ueh  discrimination  n  )t  to  perceive,  that  to  have  jxTfo- 
vced  in  the  ca];iital  iiuiiishiiient  woiiid  have  been  to  have  rendered  hiuiEcif' 


tA. 


ISO 


c  0  r  .s  T 


c  it ,     V  n  i:     I'  i;  o  v  \i  r,  c  v  , 


pciv-diKiily  i»I))i().\;i)U,s  li)  iin;  i-i,)ii;',!'i('s  of  ttii'  ciiiiilriniu'il,  \iIio--i:  ('i.^^jiirili'il  air 
iui(i  .si'.llcii  uiKn.iio  i.'iciirly  .-.iv,-,  dunounci'il  l\w  j)i!ni:,lniu:iit  as  o'.if  cruiuiorcs 
Kiiry  i'i;:i)r.  'J'!k'  iiiiiiiiliiy  foniiiianilcr  was  iioi;  ii  man  to  lie  iiiliuiiJati'il  l)y 
iiiaiiiri'slatioiis  of  (iisi'DiiU'iil, ;  m  iiluT  was  Ir.'  ono  to  bi'oo!;  a  .spinl,  of  instilio'r- 
(linalioii,  liowevor  Ibicihly  siii)|Kirtccl ;  but  he  had  too  iiiuch  fX)K'i'ii>iicu  ami 
military  JuiL.iiiL'iil,  not  u)  (iutci-miiu'  tiial  tins  was  not  it,  nioiiK'nt,  by  !biv;;oiii;:; 
!iii  aei  of  c'oiu[mlsory  I'luiiR'Hi'v.  to  instil  divisions  in  tho  p;aiTi.-oii,  whrn  tho 
.-.'.afcty  of  all  .so  inuuhdujiiii';--'.!  i;n  I'lo  cliiovfiiln'-'ss  and  ununiniily  wil'i  vs'liich 
they  lint  llK-m.-i-'lvi'S  iu  i!ie  .inliions  dnliis  of  dcil-nct'. 

IlowL'v:':'  oi-iu'inatiiij!;  in  polu'i-.  tho  lenity  liu  niijihl  have  Ixt'ii  indnred  to 
have  shov.ji.  :'Ji  iiieaof  tin-  kii'.d  was  ehasi'd  IVoin  his  mind  by  llie  unfortunate 
action  of  liK' jii'i.MjnLT.  At  Liio  monien*  when  the  distant  liei;dit:-:  i-osounded 
with  the  lier<:c  yells  (jC  the  savaRis.  ar.d  lea])in;j;  forms  canie  bounding'  down 
the  slope,  the  remarkable  warrior  of  the  IHeur  do  Jjis — the  I'eavl'n!  eiiJiuy  wlio 
had  whispui'ed  the  niwsi,  demoniac  vcncfeance  in  his  ears  the  precedinir  uij;ht, — 
was  the  only  one  thai  met  and  riveted  the  ^a/e  of  the  jiovernor.  lie  paused 
jio*'  to  observe  or  to  liiink  \\iio  tn''  tlyinj.';  man  could  be  of  whoiu  the  myste- 
rious warrior  was  in  )iiu'suil, — neitiier  di'.l  it,  indeed,  occtu'  to  him  that  it  was 
a  j)\n-siiit  at  all.  Ihu  one  idea  suir.i.'.esled  itself  to  bis  mind,  iind  that  was  an 
attempt  at  resiaie  of  the  conilemned  on  the  pai't  of  his  accomplice;  and  when 
at  ]en;j,th  llalloway.  wlio  iial  at  once,  as  if  by  instinct,  reiiojiiiised  his  captain 
in  the  fun-ilive,  shouted  Ibrtii  his  liriiltide  t>  heaven  tlia'  •'he  at  lenn'th  ap- 
proat:hed  who  alone  had  the  ])ower  L>  save  lui:;."  every  shadow  of  mercy  was 
banished  from  themi'ul  of  the  ;;overnor,  who,  hdiorin;;'  under  a  natural  mis- 
conception of  the  causes  of  liis  e.xultini;'  shout,,  felt  that  justice  im|)C'ratively 
<lemanded  her  victim,  and  no  lon;.;er  hesitated  iu  awanUnj;-  the  doom  that 
became  the  supj^i'Sed  traitoi'.  i  ll  was  imder  this  imjjression  that  he  sterulj- 
gave  and  rejieateu  till!  order  to  lire;  and  by  this  misjud^ivd  and  .'Severe,  al- 
though not  absolutely  cruel  act,  not  only  desti'oyed  one  of  the  nobU'it  beings 
that  ever  wore  a  .^ioidier's  uniii>rm.  but  entailed  upon  himself  and  family  that 
terrific  our.seof  his  maniac  \\ife,  which  ran;;'  like  a  prophetic  warning  iu  the 
ears  of  all.  ami  was  ollen  lieard  iu  the  litful  startin;;s  of  his  own  ever-aftei- 
troubled  slumbers. 

What  his  feelings  were,  when  snljsei|ueutly  lie  discovered,  iu  the  wvetclied 
fugitive,  the  son  wiio'u  he  already  believed  to  have  been  uinnbered  with  the 
dead,  and  heard  from  his  lips  a  contlrmatiou  of  all  that  liad  been  advanced  by 
tlie  uidiappv'  JLUloway,  we  shall  leave  it  to  our  readers  to  imagine.  Still, 
even  amid  his  iir.-t;  regret,  the  i'igid  discii>linariau  was  strong  within  liim  ;  and 
no  .sooner  had  the  detachment  regained  the  fort,  after  perfbi'ining  the  last 
olliees  of  interment  over  then-  ill-fated  conn'aile,  tha:i  Captain  de  Ilaldiinar 
received  an  intimation,  through  the  adjutant,  to  consider  himself  under  close 
arrest  for  disobedience  of  orders.  Finally,  however,  he  succeided  in  procur- 
ing an  interview  with  his  fatiur  ;  in  the  course  <'f  which,  (hsclosing  the  j)lot 
of  the  Indians,  and  the  f-liort  period  allotted  for  us  being  carried  into  execu- 
tion, he  ])ainted  in  the  most  gloomy  colors  the  alarmingihingers  wliich  threatened 
them  all,  and  linished  by  ur'^vnlly  imploring  his  father  to  suifcr  him  to  make 
the  attempt  to  reach  tlieir  misusjiecting  friends  at  Michillinuickinac.  Fully- 
impressed  with  the  dillieulties  attendant  on  a  sclieme  that  offered  so  few  feasi- 
ble chances  of  sui'(e>s.  Colonel  ile  Ualdimar  for  a  period  denied  his  concur- 
rence ;  but  when  at  length  ih"  excited  young  man  dwelt  on  the  horrors  that 
would  innitably  awaii  his  s!^U'r  anil  betrothed  cousin,  were  they  to  fall  into 
the  hands  of  the  s;ivages.  thes,'  <onsideratious  were  found  to  beeliective.  An 
after  ari'angement  included  Sir  J'lverard  Valletort.  who  had  expressed  a  strong 
desire  lo  simre  his  dangej'  in  the  enterprise  ;  ami  the  services  of  the  Canadian, 
wlio  had  been  brought  b.ack  a  jirisoner  to  the  fort,  and  on  whom  promises  and 
threats  were  bestowed  in  an  equally  lavLsh  manner,  wer(.'  rendered  available. 
In  fact,  wiihout  the  assistan'i'  of  Francois,  there  Wiis  little  chance  of  their 
otfectina- in  sat'i'tv  ihr' ii.ivi':!->j;i  ol'  the  watei-j  through   wliicji   thev  ^vel•e  to 


W  A  C  0   II  'A  T 


u  !i ,    T  M  r.    i'  i:  f)  i' 


191 


to 


jiasK  to  iirrlvo  at  ilie  iovi.  fio  it  wa^,  wlio.  v.-!:>  i;  iM.r.ii.M-l  tn  ;r.l'  ivl  n  con- 
Ibreuce  timonu;  the  ollicors,  bearing  on  tlic  uuvi'iii  fo  lie  iiil'ipti'd,  su.U''j,t:ste(l  tho 
propriety  of  llicir  (iisjruisinu:  tlicinsi'lvis  iis  (\'H!!!.'li!;'!i  ilud;  liiMitcr-^ ;  in  wliich 
charact'.'r  lliuy  niifiliL  I'xii'.'ct  (o  ikihs  iuiimoIc^lC!!.  (v.<'n  if  on;'  nintci't"!  )iy  imy 
outlyinsi'  jiarti'.'s  ol"  the  sjiviinv.i.  With  the  <l<iiil)i.-i  that  hivl  ])iTvii>iisly  Ijccu 
L'ntortainod  of  the  (i'lclity  of  I'ranvois.  there  WM  an  air  of  forlorn  ln'po  |:;iv{jp 
to  the  cntiirprine  ;  still,  as  tlic  man  cNjiresscd  fiincer-j  farncstu'.'ss  of  (lesirc  to 
repay  tho  clenioncy  accorileil  liim,  l)y  a  faithful  exercise  of  his  services,  find 
as  the  object  son;j;ht  was  one  that  Juslilied  tnc  risk,  tliori:  was.  notwilhstand- 
in.i;',  a  latent  liopo  cherished  by  all  parties,  that  the  event  \roiilii  prove  siicees.s- 
fnl.     We  liave  already  seen  to  wliat  extent  (heir  anticiiii'.tions  weiv  rcaiized, 

SVlK'tlier  it  was  that  hc^  :-'.'eret!y  ac'cnowle  I  !;."l  th.o  too  excessive;  sternness 
of  his  jnstice  in  rei^ard  to  llalloway  (wlio  .still,  in  iiw,  (rue  ncci')»t:i.tion  of  facts, 
liad  been  piilty  of  a  crime  that  entailed  the  jienalty  lie  h;ul  paid.)  or  that  the' 
apprehension  tliat  arose  to  his  heart  in  reriard  to  her  on  whom  he  yearned 
witli  all  a  fatlier's  li)n(hie,s.s  jrovertied  liis  coniuicl,  certa.in  it  is,  tliat,  from  tiie 
hour  of  tlie  (hsdosure  made  by  his  son  Colonel  de  llaldisMar  becaniean  alter- 
ed man.  AVithont  losiiiL.'  any  thinj;;  of  tliat  di'iiiity  of  maimei".  v.hi'li  liad 
hitlierto  been  confounded  with  the  most  repelian.t  huiiji;h(iiiess  of  Irci'rin!,:,  his 
demeanor  towards  his  ofiicers  became  more  cofrteoiis  ;  and  !\lihou'ili,  as  here- 
tofore, he  kept  himself  entirely  aloof,  exc;'pt  when  otrasioiis  of  duty  brou;;;ht 
them  toj!,ether,  still,  when  they  did  meet,  tliere  nas  moie  of  concilialion  in  hiu 
manner,  and  less  of  austerity  in  his  speech,  'i'liere  was.  moreover  adejei.'tion 
in  his  eye,  stron{?ly  in  contrast  with  his  former  imperious  iilance;  and  more 
than  one  ollicer  remarked,  that,  if  his  days  were  devoted  to  tlie  customary 
pra<;tical  arranp;cments  for  defence,  liis  ))allid  countenance  betokened  that  his 
nights  were  nij^hts  rather  of  vigil  than  repose. 

ilowever  natural  and  deep  the  alarm  entertained  for  Uie  fate  of  tlio  si.ster 
fort,  there  could  be  no  apjirehension  on  tiie  mind  of  tV>io:ieI  de  llaldimar  in 
regard  to  his  own ;  since,  furnished  with  the  means  o!  Ibiling  his  enemies 
witli  their  own  weapons  of  cunning  and  deceit,  a  lew  e.ctraordinary  precau- 
tions alone  were  necessary  to  secure  all  immunit}'  'rom  danger.  Whatever 
miglit  be  the  stern  peculiarities  of  his  character, — and  these  had  originated 
chieily  in  an  education  pureh^  military, — Colonel  de  Haldimar  was  an  officer 
well  calculated  to  the  important  trust  rejiosed  in  him  ;  for,  combining  experi- 
ence with  judgment  in  all  matters  relating  to  thediplonuicy  of  war,  and  being" 
fully  conversant  with  the  character  and  Jiabits  of  the  enemy  ojiposed  to  him, 
he  possessed  singular  aptitude  to  seize  whatever  advantages  might  jirescnt 
themselves. 

The  prudence  and  caution  of  liis  policy  have  already  been  n-ade  manifesi-  in 
the  two  several  council  .scenes  with  the  chiefs  recorded  in  our  previous  pages. 
It  may  appear  singular,  that,  with  the  oj-portiniity  thus  alforded  him  of  re- 
taining tlie  forniidable  I'ontoac, — the  strength  and  sinew  of  that  long  pro- 
tracted and  ferocious  war. — in  his  power,  he  should  have  waived  his  advantage ; 
but  here  Colonel  de  IFaldimar  gave  evidence  of  the  tact  whicli  i^o  eminently 
distinguished  hi.s  public  conduct  throughout.  lie  well  knew  the  noble,  fear- 
less character  of  the  chief;  and  felt,  if  any  hold  was  to  be  secured  over  him, 
it  was  by  grappling  wi'.h  his  generosity,  and  not  by  the  exercise  of  intimida- 
tion. Even  admitting  that  Ponteac  continued  his  pri.^-oner.  and  that  the  troops, 
pouring  their  destructive  lire  upon  the  mass  of  enemies  so  sudd<'nly  arrested 
on  the  drawbridge,  had  swept  away  the  whole,  stiii  (liey  were  but  as  a  mite 
among  the  numerous  nations  that  were  leagued  against  the  Fniglish  ;  and  to 
these  nations,  it  was  evident,  they  must,  sooner  or  later,  snccinnb. 

Colonel  de  llaldimar  knew  enough  of  tlx'  ])V()iid  but  generous  nature  of  the 
Ottawa,  to  deem  that  th(!  policy  he  projjosed  lo  pursue  in  the  last  council 
.scene  would  not  prove  altogether  without  etlect  on  thitt  warrior.  It  was  well 
known  to  him.  much  pains  had  been  taken  to  instil  into  the  minds  of  the  In- 
dians the  belief  that  the  English  were  resolved  on  their  final  extirpation  ;  and. 


382 


w  A  c  0  v  3  T  A  ;     OK,    T  II  i:    r  i:  o  i-  ii  e  c  v . 


iU  rcrtain  ,slip;lits,  ofl'oivil  to  tlicin  i\(  varidiis  jieriods,  liiui  fjivcii  ii  coiiniii!;  of 
JthUi  to  tliis  assort  ion,  tliV  f(inniiliii)l('  lou,mK'  wliicli  Imd  alrciidy  iw  coiiiplishcd 
the  downfall  of  so  niaiiy  ot'tiK'  t'oiMs  hail  Ijoi'u  tlii"  coii'i'iiMciici'  of  tlusp  artful 
representations.  Altlionph  wt'il  awiire  tiiat  tlu'  Froncli  lia<l  iiiinicrous  emissa- 
ries distriliut  .lamon^:  the  tiunv  trilK's.it  was  not  until  after  llicdisclositrc made 
by  1hehauf>iity  I'onti'ac.  at  the  dose  of  the  llrst  conneil  seene.  thai  lie  beeamo 
apj>riKe(l  of  t^ie  alarming  intiiienee  exeieised  over  the  mind  of  that  warrior 
himself  by  liis  own  torrihie  and  vindictive  enemy.  The  necessity  of  countor- 
artinji  that  influence  was  oi)vious ;  and  he  felt  this  was  only  to  Ix'  done  (if  at 
aJl)  by  some  marked  and  cxtraordin.'uy  evidence  of  the  peaceful  disposition 
of  the  Knjj;lisli.  ]lenc(^  his  determination  to  sutler  the  faithless  chiefs  and 
their  followers  to  depart  unharmed  from  the  fort,  even  at  the  moment  when 
the  attitude  assumed  by  the  i)repared  pirrison  fully  proved  to  the  assailants 
their  designs  liad  been  penetrated  and  their  .schemes  lendered  aljorlive. 


CHAPTER  XXVIII. 


With  the  (general  position  of  the  encampment  of  the  inve.stin^  Indians,  the 
readcJ"  has  Ireen  made  acquainted  thron^ih  the  narrative  of  ('a))tain  de  llahli- 
noar.  It  was,  as  has  l/ceii  shown,  situate  in  a  sort  of  oasis  closi'  witl>in  the 
pprgc  of  tlie  forest,  and  (iiirl  by  an  intei'veninir  uiidei'wood  wliich  nature,  in 
her  caprice,  had  fashioneii  .aftei'  the  manner  of  a  defensive  barrier)  cinbi'acod  a 
space  sufUcient  to  contain  the  tents  of  the  ti^hfin^r  men,  toj^ether  with  their 
women  and  children.  This.  However,  included  the  warriors  and  infeiior  chiefs. 
The  tcjits  of  the  leaders  were  without  the  belt  of  underwood,  and  princijially 
distributed  at  lonji  intei'vals  on  that  side  of  the  forest  which  skirted  the  open 
TOuntry  towards  the  river  ;  forminjr  a.s  it  were,  a  chain  of  external  dcl'eiice,  and 
NWoepiufT  in  a  semicircular  direction  I'onnd  the  more  dense  encampment  of 
their  followers.  At  its  hifrhest  elevation  the  forest  shot  out  suddenly  into  a 
point,  naturally  enough  rendered  an  object  of  attraction  from  whatever  part  it 
was  commanded. 

Darkjiess  was  already  beginning  to  spread  her  mantle  over  tlus  intervening 
^pace,  and  the  night-tires  of  the  Indians  were  kindling  into  1)riglitness,  glim- 
mering occasionally  through  the  wood  with  that  jiale  and  lambent  light  pec>i- 
liar  to  the  fire-ll}-,  of  whii'li  tlicy  olfered  a  not  inapt  representation,  when  sud- 
denly n  lofty  tent,  tlie  brilliant  whiteness  of  which  was  thrown  into  strong  re- 
lief by  the  dark  iield  on  which  it  reposed,  was  seen  to  rise  at  a  few  paces  from 
the  abi'ujit  point  in  the  forest  Just  do.scribed,  and  on  the  extrenie  summit  of  a 
ridge  lieyoml  which  lay  only  the  western  horizon  in  golden  perspective. 

The  opening  of  this  tent  looked  eastward  and  towards  the  fort ;  and  on  its 
extreme  summit  tloated  a  dark  Hag,  which  at  intervals  :-pread  itself  before  the 
slight  evening  breeze,  but  oftener  hung  drooping  and  heavily  over  the  glitter- 
ing canvas.s.  One  solitary  pine,  who.se  trunk  exceeded  not  the  ordinary  thick- 
ness of  a  man's  waist,  and  standing  out  as  a  landmark  on  the  ridge,  rose  at 
the  distance  of  a  lew  feet  from  the  spot  on  which  the  'ent  had  been  erected  ; 
and  to  this  was  bound  tlie  tall  and  elegant  figure  of  one  dressed  in  the  coarse 
garb  of  a  sailor.  The  arms  and  legs  of  the  individual  were  jierfectly  free ;  lint 
a  strong  ro]X',  rendered  doubly  secure  after  the  manner  of  what  is  termed 
'•  whi]ipiii!i"  among  seamen,  after  having  been  tightly  drav.'n  several  times 
arouixl  his  waist,  and  then  firmly  knotted  behind,  was  again  jmssed  round  the 
tree,  to  which  the  back  of  the  prisoner  was  closely  lashed;  thus  enabling,  or 
rather  compelli--  r,  him  to  be  a  sjiectator  of  every  object  within  the  lent. 

Layers  of  bark,  ovi'r  which  were  spread  the  dressed  skins  of  the  bear  ami 
the  buffalo,  formed  the  floor  and  carpet  of  the  latter ;  and  on  these,  in  various 
parts,  and  in  characteristic  attitudes,  reposed  the  forms  of  three  human  beings; 


W  A  C  O  D  S  T  A  ;      OK,     T  II  K     PROPHECY. 


183 


one,  the  formidaltlo  'Viiiiior  of  tlie  FUiir  do  Lis.  Altiivil  in  tlu'  p;iirl>  in  which 
we  lirst  introdncvil  him  to  om-  rcadiis,  und  witli  the  same  woH|M)ns  rcposinp; 
at  his  sidu,  thu  haughty  savaj^e  iny  at  IiIh  hizy  It'ngtli ;  )iis  (Irt  r«i(;liinK  he- 
yond  tho  <»])i'ninj!;  of  tlif  tont,  and  his  liiad  rcjiosinK  on  a  rndu  pillow  Ibrmwl 
of  a  closi'ly  compn'sseil  ])a('k  of  skins  of  wild  animals,  ovor  wiiicli  was  sjjread 
a  sort  of  mantle  or  Idankct.  t  hio  hand  was  mtiwhicod  hctwwn  the  pillow  and 
his  head,  the  oliier  jrviisped  the  ))ipe  tomahawk  he  was  smoking;  and  wliilo 
the  meehanii'al  [ilay  of  his  ri;j;lit  liml  indicated  jtrc-occnpalion  of  thought,  hin 
quick  and  meanin};  eye  glanced  fre(iuently  and  alternat(ily  upon  tlu;  furthest 
of  his  companions,  the  prisoner  without,  and  the  distant  fort. 

VN'ithiu  a  few  feet  of  the  warrior  lay.  extended  on  a  hull'alo  skin,  the  delicatii 
figure  of  a  female,  whose  hair,  c(>in]ilei:ion.  and  Iiands,  denoteil  lu^r  Kuro))ean 
cxtracticni.  Ilerdress  was  entirely  Indian,  however;  consisting  of  a  mache(;uti 
with  leggings,  moccassins,  and  shirt  of  printeii  cotton  studded  with  silver 
broaches, — all  of  which  were  of  a  <iuality  and  lexture  to  mark  the  wearer  as* 
the  wile  of  a  cliicl';  and  her  fair  hair,  doni!  u))  in  a  cliih  behind,  rejiosed  on  a 
neck  of  da/,/ling  whiteness.  Her  eyes  were  large,  Mue.  hut  wilil  and  unmean- 
ing; her  coimteiiance  vacant:  and  her  movements  altogether  mechanical.  A 
wooden  Im)\vI  lilled  with  hominy  was  at  hci'  side;  and  Irom  (his  she  was  now 
in  the  act  of  feeding  herself  with  a  spoon  of  the  sanu'  material,  hut  with  a 
negligence  and  slovenUne.ss  that  betrayed  her  almost  utter  nncon.sciousnes.! 
of  the  action. 

At  the  further  side  of  the  tent  tliere  was  another  woman,  even  more  <lelicat« 
in  appearand^  tlian  the  one  last  mentioned.  She,  too,  was  blue  eye(|,  anil  of 
surpassing  fairness  of  skin.  Her  attitude  denoteil  a  niinil  too  pDwin'fully  ab- 
sorbed in  grief  to  be  lieeilfid  of  apju'ai'ances;  for  she  sat  willi  lei-  knees  drawn 
up  to  her  chin,  anil  rocking  her  hoily  to  and  fro  with  an  unilidaling  motion 
that  seemed  to  have  its  origin  in  no  elfort  of  volition  of  her  own.  Her  long 
fair  hair  hung  negligently  over  her  shoulders;  ami  a  blanket  drawn  over  the 
top  of  ln'r  bead  like  a  veil,  and  extending  pai'tly  ovei'  the  jierson,  disclosed  here 
and  there  portions  of  an  apparel  whii^h  \\as  strictly  lMu'o[)ean,  Jilthoiigh  rent, 
and  exhibiting  in  various  places  stains  of  blood.  A''o\vi  sinnlar  to  that  of  her 
com])anion,  anil  lilled  with  the  same  food,  was  at  her  side  ;  but  this  was  uii- 
tasted. 

"  Why  does  the  girl  refusi^  to  eat?"  asked  tht'  warrior  of  her  next  him,  as 
he  fiercely  rolled  a  viilmne  of  smoke  from  his  lijjs.  •  Muke  her  eat,  for  I 
would  speak  to  her  afti'rwards." 

'■  Why  does  the  girl  refuse  to  eat?"  responded  the  woman  in  tin?  same  tone, 
dropping  her  spoon  as  she  sjioke,  and  turning  to  the  object  of  remai'k  with  a 
vacant  look.  '■  It  is  good,"  .she  pursued,  as  she  rudely  shook  the  arm  of  the 
heedless  sniferer.     "  tJome,  girl,  eat." 

A  shriek  burst  from  the  lips  of  the  unhajipy  girl,  as,  apparently  roused  from 
her  abstraction,  she  s\itlere({  the  blanket  to  fall  Irom  her  head,  and  staring 
wildly  at  her  questioner,  faintly  demaniled. — "  Who,  in  the  name  of  mercy, 
arc  you,  who  address  me  in  this  horrid  place  in  iny  own  tongue ?  Speak; 
who  are  you  ?  .Surely  1  should  know  that  voice  for  that  of  Ellen,  the  wife  of 
Frank  Halloway !" 

A  maniac  laugh  was  uttered  by  tl>e  wretched  woman.  This  continued  of- 
fensively for  a  moment ;  and  she  observed,  in  an  infuriated  tone  and  with  a 
.searching  eye, — "  No.  1  am  not  the  wife  ol'  Ihallmvay.  It  is  false.  I  am  the 
wile  of  Wacousta.  This  is  my  husband  !"  ami  as  she  <pi)ke  she  sjnang  nim- 
bly to  her  feet,  and  was  in  the  next  instant  lying  prostiiite  on  the  ibrm  of  tlie 
warrior;  Iut  arms  thrown  wildly  around  liim,  and  her  lips  imprinting  kisses 
ou  liis  cheek. 

But  Wacousta  was  in  no  mood  to  suffer  her  endearments.  He  for  the  first 
time  seemed  alive  to  the  presence  otiher  who  Jay  beyond,  and  to  whoae  whole 
appearance  a  character  of  animation  had  been  im])arted  by  the  temporary  ex- 
citement of  her  feelings.     He  gazed  at  her  a  nioment,  with  the  air  of  one  en- 


184 


w  \  f  t)  r  .^  r  A  ;    d  ii ,    r  ii  k    r  it  o  \'  ii  r.  c  v  . 


«lonvoiinir  M  iv'.u!!  lIi-  i.u'iiiory  ol'diiys  Ion;;  pmc  liy  ;  iiinl  .is  iu'  cxiitiniiiMl  to 
(io  so.  IiisiTiMlii.'iti'd.  hisolii'sl  liciivcil,  imd  his  (•Diiiilciiancc  iiKi'iimti'ly  IIiisIicmI 
anil  jvilcil.  Al  K'liL'.tli  Iw  ll\ivv.'  tlu'  tiirin  timl  ri'iyosnl  u]ii)ii  liis  own,  vioIci\tIy, 
.111(1  i.'Vi'!i  siivjiu'oiy.  iVdiii  liini ;  sprHii;;  i-iiyiTly  to  Ins  i'ccl ;  and  I'k'aiiiij.^  tli(< 
sjiacc  (liMt  diviili'il  liini  iVoni  the  olijrct  oi'  In.s  altcntion  at  a  siiifrlc  sli'p.  lioro 
licr  iVom  the  oarlii  in  liis  arms  wiih  as  nnicli  oasc  as  ifslio  had  Iki'm  an  inlunt, 
and  (hon  ivUirnn;'  ,i)  Ids  own  :iidi'  courh,  phici'd  his  horror-sltirkfii  vicliinaL 
liis  sido. 

"Nay.  \u\\''  \v'  ui'iji'd  san'astii'ally,  us  slu-  vainly  slru^ijilod  to  IVcc  horsolf; 
"li't  iht!  iKi  ll:i!diiii:ir  |iort:on  oi'  your  blood  j'isi:  111?  in  aii'.;(r  ii'  it  will  ;  Imt 
thill  of  Clam  Ui'virii',-.  t■^  kast — ^" 


wh.'iv  am  1.  thai  I  luiir  I  lie  n;. 


of  niv  .siiiiitxtJ 


"(irariiiiis  i'r.ivi''''U'  • ! 
mothiT  thus  ramiliarly  [n- moiuuvd  f'  inl(iiii|(li'd  llu'  sl:iil!.d  ^drl  ;  "and  wlio 
ivro  yon. — .''  turnin:-  he;'  cvt's  wildly  on  ihi'  swii.''!hy  (•oinitciiaiiiv'  of  the  war- 
rior.— ••  who  ai'i'  y<ni,  !  ask.  who,  witii  th.^  niion  and  iu  llir  ^-.u'li  of  a  ;-avii|i^i' 
of  tlioso  foi'i's'.s,  apin'.'.r  I'.ui.i  ai'(itiainli'd  with  licr  ii:iiiio  ;"" 

Thy  warrior  passi' i  Ids  hand  ticiMss  his  luovv  lor  a  nioni'iil.  ;us  il  .souu,' 
iminfiil  and  imoii'ral)i<>  iv'tlt-'clioii  had  hci'ii  calli'd  '.i])  hy  thi'  ijiU'tUion  ;  hut 
lie  spoi' lily  n'fovoivd  his  s.'U-|i()ssi'Ssioii,  ;uid  with  uii  t.'\inv.--.iou  of  ftiaturo 
that  almost  |ii'triti''d  hi.;  auditor,  vihoini'iitiy  oliscrvcd. — 

"  Vou  ask  who  I  ;ini  I  tdu' who  knew  yuiir  iiiolhcr  loni;  liclbro  the  a<!- 
cursi'd  naiiK"  of  IK'  i[;(!'!i;nar  had  iwv  Ih".mi  whisiUTod  in  her  oir  ;  and  whoui 
love  for  tlu' oiit^  and  haiiiid  fin- the  othor  ha.s  ri'!id(  ivd  the  ,'•;:■  va^o  you  now 
beiiold  !  r>iu.''  Ill'  I'mdiniii"!,  whlk'  a  liiT,'!.'  and  hiik'ons  .'Onlli'  lightvil  up 
every  R'atiire.  "  I  overlook  my  past  snltl'rini.s  in  my  nriscnt  hippine.ss.  'I'lio 
iniajio  of  t'lara  Hevirley.  I'Viii  such  as  my  soul  loved  liir  in  i'.s  youth,  is  oiico 
iiiorr  b;  fore  m>-'  in  in'r  riiila  ;  lltd/  ehild  shall  he  my  wife  !" 

'•  Your  wife  1  monstir;  never  !"'  shrieked  the  unhappy  ivirl.  vaiidy  attcuipt- 
injj  to  disen,nai:e  herself  from  the  eiieireliiii','  arm  of  the  .sava;j:e.  "  lint,"  slio 
pursued,  iu  a  tone  of  siipprication,  while  the  tear.s  coursed  e.aeli  other  down 
her  eheek,  "if  you  ever  loved  my  moUiei'.  as  you  say  you  have,  restore  lier 
children  to  their  h.uiie ;  and  if  saints  may  he  i)ermiited  (o  look  down  from 
lieaven  in  ajiproval  of  Ihe  act.s  of  men,  she  whom  you  have  loveil  wdll  bless 
you  for  the  deed." 

A  deep  fsroau  burst  from  tlu;  vast  eliest  of  W'aeousta  ;  but.  for  a  luonicnt, 
he  answered  not.  At  length  he  ob.ierved,  poiiitiu,!;  at  the  stime  time  with  hi.s 
Ihijier  towards  the  cloudless  vault  above  their  heads, — "  l>o  you  behold  yon 
blue  sky.  Clara  do  Ibildiiaar  .'" 

"1  do; — what  mean  mhi  ?"  demanded  the  trembliu;;  f^iil.  in  whom  a  mo- 
mentary hope  had  been  excited  by  the  subdued  maimer  of  the  savage. 

"  Noihinir,"  he  coolly  rejoined;  "only  that  were  your  jioor  mother  to 
appear  there  at  this  molneni,  clad  in  all  the  attributes  ascribed  to  ang'jls,  her 
prayer  would  not  alter  >hu  destiny  that  awaits  you.  Nay,  nay  ;  look  not 
thus  .'■•orrowfuily."  he  pursued,  as  in  despite  of  her  etlbrts  to  prevent  liini,  he 
imprinted  a  buruinii;  kiss  upon  her  lips.  "  Iwtm  thus  was  I.  once  wont  to  lin- 
ger on  [he  lips  of  ^our  motlier  ;  but  hers  ever  pouted  to  be  pressed  by  mine  ; 
and  not  with  (ears,  but  with  sunniest  smiles  did  she  court  them."  Ilepau.sedj 
lient  his  head  over  the  face  ef  the  shuddering;  j;irl ;  and  ga/.ini;  fixedly  for  a 
few  nuuutes  on  her  countenance,  while  he  pres.sed  her  strugs'lii'n  ft>rni  more 
closely  to  liis  own,  e.\ultiu;j,ly  pursued,  as  if  to  himst'lf, — "'Kvenas  her  mother 
was,  so  is  she.  Ye  powers  ol'  hell !  who  would  have  ever  thouj^ht  a  time 
would  eonie  when  both  my  veu,L';eauoe  and  my  love  would  be  gratified  to 
the  utmost?  How  stran!i,e  it  never  .should  have  occurred  to  nio  he  had  a 
daughter !" 

'•  What  mean  you,  fierce,  unpitying  man  ?"  exclaimed  the  terrifiexl  Clara, 
to  wli'  m  a  full  scn.se  of  the  horror  of  her  position  had  lent  unusual  energy 
of  churtxter.     " Smcly  you  will  not  detain  a  poor  defenceless  woman  in  your 


W  A  (!  I)  r  S  T  A 


o  n 


T  II  K      l»  R  (»  1'  II   K  C  Y  , 


180 


hnn(l.«, — tliP  child  ol'Iur  yon  siiy  you  have  IovihI.  Kiit  a  is  faUo  ! — you  iiovor 
kiii'w  licr,  or  you  wouM  not  reject  \\\y  luaycr." 

"Never  knew  lier !''  Ilcrcely  repciilnl  Wnconsld.  Ap:iiin  lie  piuiHcci. 
"  Would  I  hitil  never  known  lier !  ami  I  should  not  now  lie  tlie  outciist.wretcli 
I  uiu," — he  lidded,  slowly  iind  Miiiiresnively.  Then  once  more  elevatinp;  h'\n 
voice, — "Cliirade  lliililininr,  I  liiive  loved  your  umthei' as  iniin  never  loved 
woman  ;  and  1  have  hated  yonr  liiilier  (^^rindiu^;  liiw  teeth  with  fury  as  ho 
H|M)k'e)  a«  man  never  liati'd  man.  'I'lial  lovi',  that,  hatred  are  >m(|uenclie«l 
— nni|nenchahl('.  Itelori'  me  I  see  at  on.  ■  IIk;  im«)!;e  of  her  who,  tven  in 
death,  has  lived  ensliiine(|  in  my  heart,  mil  the  child  of  him  wdio  is  my  liit- 
terest,  loe.     Clara  de  llaldimar,  do  \  on  umlcrstand  me  now?" 

"  .\li:ii,!.';hty  Providence  !  is  there  not  one  lo  '-ave  me  ? — can  uothimv  touch 
3'oiM'  slnl)horn  heart  .'"  exclaimeil  th(!  allriirhti'd  (;ii'l  ;  and  she  turned  her 
swinnniiif^  eyes  on  those  of  tiie  warrior,  in  appeal ;  liut.  his  glance  causi-d  her 
own  to  sink  in  contusion.  "  Mllcn  llldlo^^•lly,"  she  pursued,  after  a  motneut's 
piuse,  and  in  the  wild  accents  of  despair,  "  if  yon  are  indeeil  the  wife  of  Ihi.s 
man,  as  you  s»y  yon  are,  oh  !  plead  for  me  with  him  ;  and  in  the  name  of 
that  kindness  wdiirii  I  once  e.\lrniled  to  vonr.self,  prevail  on  him  to  restore  \\w 
to  my  lather  !" 

"  Kllen  llalloway  ! — who  calls  Klleii  iialloway  ?"  said  lh(^  wretched  woman, 
who  had  apiin  icsinned  her  slovenly  meal  on  the  rnde  couch,  apparently 
without  consciousness  of  the  scene  enact  iuf.(;  Jt  her  side.  "  i  am  not  I'llleii 
llalloway:  they  saiil  .'■•o ;  hut  it  is  not,  true.  My  hushand  was  l{e;rin:dd 
.Morton:  hut  he  went  for  ii  soldier,  and  was  killed;  and  I  never  ,s;iw  him 
inoi'c." 

•' llefrinald  Morton!  What  mean  yon,  woman?  What  know  yon  of 
.Hcj^inalil  .Morton  7"  demanded  Waconsla.  with  frightful  enerfiy.  as,  leaniiif; 
over  th(!  shiinkiiiLi;  form  of  (,'lara,  hi;  violently  (!;rnsi)ed  and  .shook  tiio  siioulder 
of  th(>  unhappy  maniac. 

"  ."^top ;  do  not  hurt  me,  and  \  will  tell  you  nil,  sir,"  she  ahuost  screamed. 
"Oh,  sir,  llefrinald  Morton  was  my  hushand  o!ice  ;  hut  he  was  kinder  than 
yon  are.     lie  did  not  look  so  liercely  at  me  ;  nor  ilid  he  pinch  nu!  so  " 

'•  What  of  him  ? — who  was  he  V  fm'iously  repeatc<l  Wacouslji,  as  ho  ap;ain 
impatiently  sliook  tlie  arm  of  the  wretched  Kllen.  "  Where  did  you  know 
him  ?     Whence  canu'  he  ?" 

"  Nay,  you  must  Tiot  l»'  Jealous  of  ])(wv  ltc;rinald  :"  and,  as  --ho  utti'red 
these  words  in  a  softening;  and  conciliating;  tone,  her  eye  was  turned  upon 
those  of  the  w.arrior  with  a  minf^led  expression  of  fear  and  cunniiiff.  "  Hut 
he  was  very  <;oo(l  and  very  hanilsome,  an<l  f!;enerous  ;  and  we  lived  near 
each  other,  and  we  I()ve<l  each  other  at  (jrst  sifi;ht.  Hut  liis  family  were 
V(!ry  jiroud,  an<l  tliey  (piarrelled  witUhim  hecause  he  married  mo  ;  and  then 

we  het-amo  very  poor,  and  Kcfrinald  went  for  a  soldier,  and ;  hut  I  forget 

the  rest,  it  is  so  lonu;  ago."  She  pressed  her  hand  to  her  hrow,  and  .sank  her 
head  upon  her  chest. 

"  Kllen,  woman,  anain  I  a.sk  you  where  h((  came  from  ?  tliis  Keji;inald  Mor- 
ton that  you  have  named.     To  what  country  did  ho  holotc^?" 

"  Oh,  we  were  hoth  Ooniish,"  .she  answered,  with  a  viv.'icity  singularly  in 
contrast  with  her  recent  low  and  monotonous  tone  ;  ''  hut,  as  I  said  hofon;,  he 
was  of  a  fjreat  family,  and  I  only  a  poor  clerjry man's  daufjliter.'' 

"(!ornish! Oornisli, (hd  you  say?"  fiercely  repeated  th>^  dark  W.-icousta, 

while  an  oxpressio"  if  loathinfj;  and  disp;nst  seemed  for  a  moment  to  convulse 
)iis  featmes  ;  "  then  is  it  as  I  had  feared.  One  word  more.  Was  the  family 
seat  called  Morton  ('-410?" 

"  It  was,"  nnhositai  inKly  returned  the  poor  woman,  yet  witli  the  air  of  ono 
wondcrin;^  to  hoar  a  name  repeated,  lon{»  forj^ottcn  even  hy  herself.  "  It  was 
a  beautiful  castle  too,  on  a  lovely  ridge  of  hills ;  and  it  commanded  such  a 

nice  view  of  the  sea,  close  to  the  little  port  of ;  an<l  the  p 'rsonagc  stood 

in  such  ft  sweet  valley,  clo.sc  under  the  tastle ;  and  wc  were  all  .so  happy."    She 


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33  WIST  MAIN  STRUT 

WEBSTER,  N.Y.  USSO 

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W  A  C  '>  II  S  T  A 


O  K  . 


THE    1'  11  ()  I'  :.i  i;  c  V  , 


pansec'i,  again  piit  hir  liartd  to  her  brow,  and  ]>rc'Ssod  it  witli  force,  as  if  im- 
tU'avoiinu;  to  pursue  the  chain  of  connection  in  lier  nieinory.  but  evidently 
without  success. 

"  And  A'our  father's  name  w  a.s  Clayton  ?"  said  the  war  ior  enquiringly. 
*'  Henry  Clayton,  if  I  recollect  arijjht?" 

'•  Ha!  who  names  iny  father?"  shrieked  the  wretched  woman.  "Yes,  sir, 
it  was  (Jlayton — Henry  Clayton — the  kindest,  the  nol)lest  of  human  1  cings. 
But  the  atilicuon  of  his  child,  and  the  persecutions  of  the  Morton  family, 
broke  his  heart.  He  is  dea<l,  sir,  and  Reginald  ia  dead  too ;  and  I  am  a  poor 
lone  willow  in  the  world,  and  have  no  one  to  love  me."  Here  the  tears  cours- 
cil  eiuh  other  rapidly  down  her  faded  cheeks,  although  hei  eyes  were  staring 
and  motionless. 

"  It  is  false  !"  vociferatwl  the  warrior,  who,  now  he  had  gained  all  that  was 
essential  to  the  elucidation  of  his  doubts,  quitted  the  shouldsr  he  had  con- 
tinued to  press  with  violence  in  liis  nervous  hand,  and  once  more  extended 
hnuself  at  his  length  ,  "  in  me  you  behold  the  uncle  of  your  husband.  Yfes, 
Ellen  Clayton,  you  have  been  the  wife  of  two  lleuinald  Mortons.  Jioth,"  he 
.  pursued  with  unutterable  bitterness,  while  he  again  started  uj)  and  shook  his 
tomahawk  menacingly  in  the  direction  of  the  fort, — '■  both  have  been  the  vic- 
tims of  yon  cold-blooded  governor ;  but  the  hour  of  reckoning  is  at  hand. 
Ellen,"  he  fiercely  added,  ''  do  you  recollect  the  curse  you  pronounced  on  the 
family  of  that  haughty  ma^  when  he  slaughtered  your  ^Reginald?  By 
Heaven  !  it  shall  be  fulHiled  ;  but  first  shall  the  love  I  have  so  long  borne  the 
mother  be  transferred  to  the  child." 

Again  he  sought  to  encircle  the  waist  of  lier  whom,  in  the  strong  excite- 
ment of  his  rage,  he  had  momentarily  quitted;  but  the  unutterable  disgust 
and  horror  produced  in  the  mind  of  the  unhappy  Clara  lent  an  almost  super- 
natural activity  to  her  despair.  She  dexterously  eluded  his  grjisp,  gained  her 
feet,  and  with  tottering  stejjs  and  outstretched  ai'ms  darted  through  the  tent, 
and  piteousl)'  exclaiming.  "Save  me!  oh,  for  God's  sake,  save  me!"  sank  ex- 
hausted, and  apparently  lifeless,  on  the  chest  of  the  prisoner  without. 

To  such  of  our  readers  as,  deceived  by  the  romantic  nature  of  the  attach- 
ment stated  to  have  been  originally  entertained  by  Sir  Everard  Valletort  for 
tlu)  unseen  sister  of  liis  friend,  have  been  led  to  expect  a  tale  abounding  in 
manifestations  of  its  ])rogress  when  the  parties  had  actually  met,  we  at  once 
announce  disappointment.  Neither  the  lover  of  amorous  adventure,  nor  the 
admirer  of  witty  dialogue,  should  dive  into  these  passages.  Room  for  the  ex- 
ercise of  the  invention  might,  it  is  true,  be  found ;  but  ours  is  a  tale  of  sad  re- 
ality, and  our  heroes  and  heroines  figure  under  circumstances  (hat  would  ren- 
der wit  a  satire  upon  the  understanding,  and  love  a  'reflection  upon  the  heart. 
Within  the  bounds  of  piobability  hava we,  therefore,  confined  ourselves 

What  the  feelings  of  the  young  baronet  must  have  been,  from  the  first  moment 
when  he  received  from  the  hands  of  the  unfortunate  Captain  Baynton,  (who, 
although  an  ofticer  of  his  own  corps,  was  personally  a  stranger  to  him,)  that 
cherished  sister  of  his  friend,  on  whose  ideal  form  his  excited  imagination  had 
so  often  latterly  loved  to  linger,  up  to  the  present  hour,  we  should  vainly  at- 
tempt to  paint.  There  are  emotions  of  the  heart,  it  would  be  mockery  in  the 
pen  to  trace.  From  the  instant  of  his  first  contributing  to  pre.serve  her  life, 
on  that  dreadful  day  of  blood,  to  that  when  the  schooner  fell  into  the  hands 
of  the  savigcs,  few  words  had  passed  between  them,  and  these  had  leferenee 
merely  to  the  position  in  which  they  found  themselves,  and  whenever  Sir  Eve- 
rard felt  he  could,  without  indelicacy  or  intrusion,  render  himself  in  the  slight- 
est way  serviceable  to  her.  The  very  circumstances  under  which  they  had 
met.  conduc;;d  to  the  suppression,  if  not  utt','r  extinction,  of  all  passion  attiwh- 
ed  to  the  seiitiraent  with  which  he  had  been  inspired.  A  new  feeling  had 
quickened  in  his  breast ;  and  it  was  with  emotions  more  assimilated  to  friend- 
ship than  to  love  that  he  now  regarded  the  beautiful  but  sorrow-stricken  sis- 
ter of  his  bosom  friend.    Still  there  was  a  softness,  a  purity,  a  dehcacy  and 


W  A  C  O  II  S  T  A  ;      O  R  ,,    T  H  E      PROPHECY 


187 


tenderness  in  this  new  feeling;,  in  wlu^h  the  influence  of  sex  secretly  though 
unacknowledjiiedly  predominated ;  and  even  while  sensible  it  would  have  been 
a  proCanation  of  evcrythins;  most  saercd  and  delicate  in  nature  to  have  admit- 
ted a  thoujrht  of  love  within  his  breast  at  such  a  moment,  h.e  also  felt  he 
could  have  entertained  a  voluptuous  joy  in  making  any  sacrihce,  even  to  the 
surrender  of  life  itself,  provided  the  tranquillity  of  that  gentle  and  suffering 
being  could  be  by  it  ensured. 

(Hara.  in  her  turn,  had  been  in  no  condition  to  admit  so  exclusive  a  })Ower 
as  that  of  love  within  her  soul.  She  had,  it  is  true,  even  amid  the  desolation 
of  her  shattered  spirit,  recognised  in  the  young  officer  the  original  of  a  por- 
trait so  frequently  drawn  by  lier  brother,  and  dweit  on  by  herself.  She  ac- 
knowledged, moreover,  the  fidelity  of  the  painting:  but  however  she  might 
have  felt  and  acted  under  different  circumstances,  absorbed  as  was  lier  heart, 
and  paralysed  her  imagination,  liy  the  harrowing  scenes  she  had  gone  through, 
she,  too,  had  room  l)ut  for  one  sentiment  in  her  fainting  soul,  and  that  was 
friendship  for  the  friend  of  her  brother ;  on  whom,  moieover,  she  bestowed 
that  woman's  gratitude,  which  could  not  fail  to  l)e  awakened  by  a  recollection 
of  the  risks  he  had  encountered,  conjointly  with  Frederick,  to  save  her  from 
destruction.  During  their  passage  across  the  Huron,  Sir  Kverard  had  usually 
taken  his  seat  on  the  deck,  at  that  respectful  distance  which  he  conceived  the 
delicacy  of  the  position  of  the  unfortunate  cousii.s  demanded ;  but  in  such  a 
manner  that,  wln'e  he  seemed  wholly  abstracted  from  them,  his  eye  had  more 
than  once  been  detected  by  Clara  fixed  on  hers,  .vith  an  atfectioviateness  of 
interest  she  could  not  avoid  I'epaying  with  a  glance  of  recognition  and  approval. 
These,  however,  were  the  only  indications  of  regard  that  had  passc<l  between 
them. 

If,  however,  a  momentary  and  irrepressible  flashing  of  that  sentiment, 
which  had,  at  an  earlier  period,  formed  a  portion  of  their  imaginings,  did  oc- 
casionally steal  over  their  hearts  while  there  was  a  prospect  of  reaching  their 
friends  in  safe^,  all  manifestation  of  its  power  was  again  finally  suppressed 
when  the  schooner  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  savages.     IJecome  the  immediate 
prisoners  of  Wacousta,  they  had  been  surrendered  to  that  ferocious  chief  to 
be  dealt  with  as  he  might  think  proper ;  and  on  disembarking  from  the  canoe 
in  which  their  transit  to  the  mainland  liad  been  descried  that  morning  from 
the  fort,  had  been  separated  from  their  equally  unfortunate  and  suti'ering 
companions.     Captain  de  Haldimar,  Madeline,  and  the  Canadian,  were  de- 
livered over  to  the  custody  of  several  choice  warriors  of  the  tribe  in  which 
Wacousta  was  adopted ;  and,  bound,  hand  and  foot,  were  at  that  moment  in 
the  war-tent  of  the  fierce  savage,  which,  as  Ponteac  had  once  boasted  to  the 
governor,  was  everywhere  hung  around  with  human  scalps,  both  of  men,  of 
women,  and  of  children.    The  object  of  this  mysterious  man,  in  removing 
Clara  to  the  spot  we  have  described,  was  one  well  worthy  of  his  ferocious  na- 
ture.    His  vengeance  had  already  devoted  her  to  destruction ;  and  it  was 
within  view  of  the  fort,  which  contained  the  father  whom  he  loathed,  he  had 
resolved  his  purpose  should  be  accomplished.    A  refinement  of  cruelty,  such 
as  could  .scarcely  have  been  supposed  to  enter  the  breast  even  of  such  a  re- 
irorseless  savage  as  himself,  had  caused  him  to  convey  to  the  same  spot,  him 
whom  he  rather  suspected  than  knew  to  be  the  lover  of  the  young  girl.     It 
was  with  the  view  of  harrowing  up  the  soul  of  one  whom  he  had  recognised 
as  the  officer  who  had  disabled  him  on  tlie  night  of  the  rencontre  on  the  bridge, 
that  he  had  bound  Sir  Everard  to  the  tree,  whence,  as  we  have  already  state<l, 
he  was  a  compelled  spectator  of  everything  that  passed  within  the  tent;  and 
3'et  with  ttiat  free  action  of  limb  which  only  tended  to  tantalize  him  the  more 
amid  his  unnvoidable  elt'orts  to  rid  himself  of  his  bonds, — a  fact  that  proved 
not  only  the  dire  extent  to  which  tlie  I'evenge  of  Wacousta  could  be  carried, 
but  tlie  :ict:!al  luul  j.rratuitous  cruelty  of  his  nalur';. 

One  must  li;ive  licin  siinilaily  ei:vnnistanced  to  understand  all  the  agony 
of  tlie  ^•||;nl.  r.ini  iltiriivj;  this  o,!ii);;s  s.-n,'  and  iv.rticuhnlv  :it  the  fierce  and 


188 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A  ;      on,     T  11  K      PROPHECY 


repealed  declarations  of  the  savage  that  Chini  should  bo  his  bride.  More 
tlmn  once  had  he  essayed  to  remo\e  the  li<;iituros  which  conlined  his  waist; 
but  his  unsuccessful  attempts;  only  drew  an  occasional  smile  of  derision  from 
liis  enemy,  as  ho  ghmced  his  eye  rapidly  towards  him.  Conscious  at  length 
of  tlio  inutility  of  efforts,  wliich,  without  beneliting  her  for  whom  they  were 
principally  prompted,  rendbred  him  in  some  degree  ridiculous  even  in  his  own 
eyes,  the  wretched  Valletort  desisted  altogethei',  and  with  his  head  sunk  upon 
his  chest,  and  his  eyes  closed,  sought  at  least  to  shut  out  a  scene  which  blasted 
his  sight,  and  harrowed  up  his  wry  soid. 

But  when  Clara,  uttering  her  wild  cry  for  protection,  and  rushing  forth  from 
the  tent,  sank  almost  unconsciously  in  his  cmbraco,  a  thrill  oC  inexplicable 
joy  ran  through  each  awakened  fibre  of  his  frame.  Bending  etigcrly  for- 
ward, he  had  extended  llis  arms  to  rccLive  her ;  and  when  he  felt  her  light 
and  graceful  form  pressing  upon  his  own  as  its  last  refuge — wlien  he  felt  her 
heart  beating  against  his — when  lio  saw  her  drooping  on  his  shoulder,  in  the 
wild  recklessness  of  despair, — even  amid  that  scene  of  desolation  and  grief  he 
could  not  help  enfolding  her  in  timudtuous  ecstassy  to  his  brexst.  Every  hor- 
rible danger  was  for  an  instant  forgotten  in  t'le  soothing  consciousness  that 
he  at  length  encircled  the  form  of  her,  whom  in  many  an  hour  of  solitude  he 
had  thus  pictured,  although  imder  far  different  circumstances,  reposing  con- 
lidingly  on  him.  There  was  deliglit  mingled  with  agony  in  his  sensation  of  the 
wild  throb  of  her  bosom  against  his  own ;  and  even  while  his  soul  fainted 
within  him,  as  he  reflected  on  the  fiitc  that  awaited  her,  he  felt  as  if  he  could 
him^lf  now  die  more  happily. 

Momentary,  however,  was  the  duration  of  this  scene.  Furious  with  anger 
at  the  evident  disgust  of  his  victim,  Wacousta  no  sooner  saw  her  sink  into 
the  arms  of  her  lover,  than  with  that  agility  for  which  he  was  remarkable, 
lie  was  again  on  his  feet,  and  stoo^  in  the  next  instant  at  her  side.  Uniting 
to  the  generous  strength  of  his  manhood  all  that  was  wrung  from  his  mmgled 
love  and  despair,  the  officer  clasped  his  hand  round  the  waist  of  the  drooping 
Clara ;  and  with  clenched  teeth,  and  feet  firndy  set,  seemed  resolved  to  defy 
every  effoit  of  the  warrior  to  remove  her.  Not  a  word  was  uttered  on  either 
side ;  but  in  the  fierce  smile  that  curled  the  lip  of  the  savage,  there  spoke  a 
language  even  more  terrible  than  the  words  that  smile  implied.  Sir  Everard 
could  not  suppress  an  involuntary  shudder ;  and  when  at  length  Wacousta, 
after  a  short  but  violent  struggle,  succeeded  in  again  securing  and  bearing  ofl" 
his  prize,  the  wretchedness  of  soul  of  the  former  was  indescribable. 

"  You  see  'tis  vain  to  struggle  against  your  destiny,  Clara  de  Ilaldimar," 
sneered  the  warrior     "  Ours  is  but  a  rude  nuptial  couch,  it  is  true  ;  but  th 
wife  of  an  Indian  chief  nmst  not  expect  the  luxuries  of  Europe  in  the  heart 
of  an  American  wilderness." 

"  Almighty  Heaven !  where  am  I  ?"  exclaimed  the  wretched  girl,  again  un- 
closing her  eyes  to  all  the  horror  of  her  position ;  for  again  she  lay  at  the 
side,  and  within  tl\p  encircling  arm,  of  her  enemy.  "  Oh,  Sir  Everard  Valle- 
tort, I  thought  I  was  with  you,  and  that  you  had  saved  me  from  this  monster. 
Where  is  my  brother  ? — Where  are  Frederick  and  Madeline  ? — Why  have  they 
deserted  me  ? — Ah !  my  heart  will  break.  I  cannot  endure  this  longer,  and  live." 

"  Clara,  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,"  groaned  Sir  Everard,  in  a  voice  of  searching 
agony ;  "  could  I  lay  down  my  life  for  you,  I  would ;  but  you  see  these 
bonds.  Oh  God !  oh  God !  have  pity  on  the  innocent ;  and  for  once  incline 
the  heart  of  yon  fi'Tcc  monster  to  the  whisperings  of  mercy."  ^Vs  he  uttered 
the  last  sentence,  he  attempted  to  sink  on  his  knees  in  supplication  to  Ilim  he 
addressed,  but  the  tension  of  the  cord  prevented  him ;  yet  were  his  hands 
clasped,  and  his  eyes  upraised  to  heaven,  while  his  countenance  beamed  with 
an  expression  of  fervent  enthusiasm. 

"  Peace,  babbler !  or,  by  Heaven  !  that  praj'er  shall  be  your  last,"  vocife- 
rated Wacousia.  "  But  no,"  he  pursued  to  himself,  dropping  at  the  same 
time  the  point  of  liis  tomahawk ;  "  these  are  but  the  natural  writhings  of  tbe 


m'Acousta;    ok,   the    prophecy 


189 


crushed  worm  ;  and  the  longer  protractc^d  they  arc,  the  more  complete  will  he 
my  vengeance."  Then  turning  to  the  terrified  girl, — "  You  ask,  Clara  de  Hal- 
dimar,  wliere  you  are  ?  In  the  tent  of  your  mother's  lover,  I  reply, — at  the 
side  of  him  wiio  once  pressed  her  to  his  heart,  even  us  I  now  press  you,  and 
with  a  fondness  that  wis  only  equalled  hy  her  own.  "Come,  dear  Clara," 
and  his  voice  assumed  a  tone  of  tenderness  that  was  even  more  revolting  than 
his  natural  ferocity,  "let  me  woo  you  to  the  atfection  she  once  possessed.  It 
was  a  heart  of  fire  in  which  her  image  stood  enshrined, — it  is  a  heart  of  fire 
still,  and  well  worthy  of  her  child." 

'•  Never,  never  !"  shrieked  the  agonised  girl.  ''Kill  me,  murder  ine,  if  you 
will ;  hut  oh !  if  you  have  pity,  polluto,not  my  ear  with  the  avowal  of  your 
detested  love,  lint  again  I  repeat,  it  is  false  that  my  mother  ever  knew  you. 
She  never  could  have  loved  so  fierce,  so  vindictive  a  being  as  yourself." 

"  Ila!  do  yo)i  doubt  me  still?"  sternly  demanded  the  savage.  Then  draw- 
ing the  shuddering  girl  still  closer  to  his  vast  chest, — "  Come  hither,  Clara, 
while  to  convince  you  I  unfold  the  sad  history  of  my  life,  and  tell  you  more 
of  your  parents  than  you  have  ever  known.  When,"  he  pursued  solemnly  • 
"  you  have  learnt  the  extent  of  ray  love  for  the  one,  and  my  hatred  for  the 
other,  and  the  ^vrongs  I  have  endured  from  both,  you  will  no  longer  wonder 
at  the  spirit  of  mingled  love  and  vengeance  that  dictates  my  conduct  towards 
yourself.  Listen,  girl,"  he  continued  liercel}',  "  and  judge  whether  mine  .are 
mjuries  to  be  t:imely  pardoned,  when  a  whole  life  has  been  devoted  to  tne 
pTir.suit  of  the  means  of  avenging  them." 

Irresistibly  led  by  a  desire  to  know  what  possible  connection  could  have 
existed  between  her  parents  and  this  singular  and  ferocious  man,  the  wretched 
girl  gave  her  passive  as.sent.  She  even  hoped  that,  in  the  course  of  his  nar- 
rative, some  softening  refiections  would  pass  over  his  mind,  the  etfect  of  which 
might  be  to  predispose  him  to  mercy.  VVacousta  buried  his  face  for  a  few 
moments  in  his  large  hand,  as  if  endeavoring  to  collect  and  concentrate  the 
remembrances  of  past  years.  His  countenance,  meanwhile,  had  undergone  a 
change  ;  for  there  was  now  a  shade  of  melancholy  mixed  with  the  fierceness 
of  expression  usuall}'  observable  there.  This,  however,  was  dispelled  in  the 
course  of  his  narrative,  and  as  various  opposite  passions  were  in  tuin  power- 
fully and  severallj-^  developed. 


CHAPTER  XXIX. 


"  It  is  now  fmu-  aod  twen  ty  years,"  commenced  Wacousta, "  since  your  father 
and  myself  first  met  as  subalterns  in  the  regiment  he  now  commands,  when 
an  intimacy  suddenly  sprang  up  between  us,  which,  as  it  w  i  then  to  oiu- 
brother  officers,  has  since  been  a  source  of  utter  astonishment  to  myself.  Ho, 
all  coldness,  prudence,  obsequiousness,  and  forethought.  I,  all  enthusiasm, 
carelessness,  impetuosity,  arid  independence.  AVhether  this  intimancy  sprang 
from  the  adventitious  circumstance  of  our  being  mdro  frequently  thrown  to- 
gether as  officers  of  the  same  conijiiin}', — for  we  wei"e  both  attached  to  the 
grenadiers. — or  that  my  wild  spirit  was  soothed  by  the  bland  amenity  of  his 
mauii^rs,  I  know  not.  The  latter,  however,  is  not  improbable ;  for  proud  and 
haughty  and  dignified,  as  the  colonel  iioio  is,  such  was  not  t/ie7i  the  character 
of  the  ensign ;  who  seemed  thro\vn  out  of  one  of  nature's  soppiest  moulds, 
to  fawn,  and  cringe,  and  worm  his  way  to  flivor  by  the  wily  speciousness  of 
hi.s  manners.  Oh  (lod  !"  pursued  Wacousta,  after  a  momentary  prusc,  and 
striking  his  jjaln*  against  his  forehead,  "  that  I  ever  should  have  been  the  dupe 
of  such  a  cold-blooded  hyj)oeritc  ! 

"  As  you  have  just  learnt,  Cornwall  is  the  country  of  my  birth.  I  was  the 
eldest  of  the  only  two  surviving  cliiMn^n  of  a  larg-  family  ;  and,  as  heir  to 


100 


W  A  O  O  U  S  T  A  ;      on,     THE      1'  K  O  1>  H  E  C  Y 


the  baronetcy  of  the  proud  Mortons,  was  looked  up  to  by  lord  and  vassal  as 
the  future  pi'rpetnator  of  the  fau'ily  n-iiue.  My  brother  liail  Iji  un  ilesiRnetl 
for  the  army  ;  but  as  tliis  was  a  profession  to  which  i  had  attached  my  incli- 
nations, the  point  was  waived  in  my  favor,  and  at  tin,"  a^e  of  ei^'liteen  I  llrst 

joined  the  rejriment,  then  (|uartered  in  the  llijihlaiuis  of  .Scotland. 

l)urinj;  my  boyhood  I  had  ever  accustomed  myself  to  athletic  exercises,  and 
loved  to  excite  myself  by  encounteriu}^  dan};er  in  its  most  terrific  forms. 

''The  wild  darin,t;  by  which  my  boyhood  had  been  marked  was  powerfully 
awakened  by  the  bold  and  romantic  scenery  of  the  .Scottish  Highlands  ;  and 
as  the  rei2,iment  was  at  that  time  (|uartercd  in  a  part  of  those  mountainous 
disti'icts,  where,  from  the  disturbed  nature  of  the  times,  society  was  dillicult 
of  attainment,  many  of  the  otiicers  ^•eI•e  driven  from  necessity,  as  I  was  from 
choice,  to  indulge  in  the  sjioits  of  the  chase.  On  one  oc-asion  a  party  of  four 
of  us  set  out  early  in  the  morninj;'  in  })msuit  of  deer,  numbers  of  which  we 
knew  were  to  be  met  with  in  the  mountainous  li'actsof  I'ute  and  .Vr;;yleshire. 
The  course  we  happened  to  take  lay  throuu^h  a  succession  of  dvi-p  dark  ;jlens, 
and  over  frowninji- rocks  J  the  diflicultics  of  access  to  which  <iniy  stirred  up 
my  <lonnant  spirit  of  cntei'prise  the  ni(n'e.  AVe  had  contimied  in  (his  cinu'se 
for  many  hours,  overcomiim'  one  ditljculty  on)}  to  lie  ei\((nnitercd  by  another, 
and  yet  without  meetiiijr  a  single  deer  ;  when,  at  leni;th.  the  fiiiut  blast  of  a 
horn  was  heard  fir  above  om-  heads  in  the  distance,  and  presently  a  noble  stag 
was  seen  to  ascend  a  ledfiv  of  roclvs  innnediately  in  front  of  us.  'i'o  raise  my 
gun  to  my  shoulder  and  liiv  was  the  work  of  a  moment,  after  \\  liich  we  all 
followed  in  pursuit.  t)n  rcacbiiif;'  the  sjiot  where  the  deer  bail  llrst  been  seen, 
we  observed  traces  of  bloofl.  satisfyiu.i:'  us  he  had  been  woundc'I ;  but  the  course 
taken  in  his  Jlifjlit  was  one  that  sceaud  to  defy  every  hiunau  eiibrt  to  follow 
in.  ft  was  a  narrow  pointed  ledge.  ascen<linj;'  boMly  lowani'^  a  \w.;m  clilf 
that  projected  frowniuuly  fi'oni  Ch((  extixine  sinnmit.  and  on  either  side  lay  a 
dark,  deep,  and  apparently  fatliondess  ravine;  to  look  even  on  which  was  suf- 
ficient to  appal  tlie  stoutest  heart,  and  unnerve  the  steadiest  bi'ain.  For  me, 
however,  lonii'  accustomed  to  dauiiers  of  the  sort,  it  had  no  terror.  1  had 
proceedotl  about  live  hundred  yards  furthei',  when  1  came  to  (he  termination 
of  the  ledge,  from  the  equally  narrow  transverse  extremity  of  which  branch- 
ed out  tln-ee  others  ;  the  wliok'  contributing  to  foi-m  a  iigure  resembling  that 
of  a  trident.  Along  the  ledge  I  had  (|uitted  1  had  remarked  occasional  traces 
where  the  stricken  deer  had  passed  ;  and  the  same  blood-spots  now  directed 
me  at  a  point  where,  but  for  these.  I  must  have  been  utterly  at  fault.  The 
centre  of  these  new  ridges,  and  the  narrowest,  was  that  taken  by  the  animal, 
and  on  that  I  once  more  renewed  my  pursuit.  I  contintied  my  course  towards 
the  main  body  of  rock  that  now  ro.se  within  a  hundred  yan.s.  How  this 
was  to  be  gained  I  knew  not  ;  for  it  .shelved  out  abruptly  from  the  extreme 
summit,  overhanging  the  aliys.s,  and  presenting  an  appearance  which  1  cannot 
more  properly  render  than  by  comparing  it  to  the  sounding  boards  placed 
over  the  pulpits  of  our  English  churches.  .Stil'  I  was  resolved  to  persevere 
to  the  close,  and  I  but  too  unhappily  succeeded. 

"It  was  evident  to  me  that  there  nnist  be  .some  opening  through  which  the 
deer  had  effected  his  escape  to  the  precipitous  heights  al)ove ;  and  \  felt  a  wild 
and  fearful  triumph  in  following  him  to  his  cover,  over  passes  which  it  was 
my  pleasure  to  think  none  of  the  hardy  mountaineers  themselves  would  have 
dared  to  venture  upon  with  impunit}'.  1  j)ansed  not ;)  consider  of  the  diffi- 
culty of  bearing  away  mj'  prize,  even  if  I  .succeeded  in  overtaking  it.  At  every 
step  my  excitement  and  determination  became  stronger,  and  1  felt  everj'  fibre 
of  my  frame  to  dilate,  as  when,  in  my  more  boyish  days,  I  used  to  I)rave,  in 
my  gallant  skilf,  the  mingled  fury  of  the  warring  elements  of  sea  and  storm. 
Suddenly,  while  mj'  mind  was  intent  only  on  the  dangers  I  used  then  to  hold 
in  .such  light  estimation,  I  found  my  turther  progress  intercejjted  by  a  fissure 
in  the  craig.  It  was  not  the  width  of  this  opening  that  disconcerted  me.  for 
it  exceeded  not  ten  feet ;  but  I  came  upon  it  so  unadvisedly,  that,  in  attempt- 


\V  A  C  O  U  8  T  A 


O  K  ,     T  II  K      P  li  0  P  H  K  C  Y  . 


Idl 


ing  to  check  my  forward  motion,  I  had  nearly  lost  my  c(iui|)oi.s'e,  and  liillen  into 
the  abyss  that  now  yawned  bttbre  on  either  side  of  me.  To  piiiise  up^m  the 
danger,  would,  I  f^lt,  be  to  insure  it.  Sumiuonin'^  nil  my  di  xtirity  into  u  sin- 
gle bound.  I  cleared  the  chasm;  and  with  one  buckskincd  loot  H'dv  my  liunt- 
ing  costume  was  strictly  IIij;hland)  cluujr  firndy  to  tiie  kdue,  u-liile  1  secured 
my  balance  with  the  other.  At  this  point  the  rock  became  f:rui'uially  broader, 
so  that  I  now  trod  the  remainder  of  the  rude  path  in  perfect  security,  until  I 
at  length  found  myself  close  to  the  vast  mass  of  wliicli  these  Ied.L;cs  were  merely 
ramifications  or  veins:  but  still  I  could  discover  no  outlet  by  wliich  the 
wounded  deer  could  have  escaped.  AVhile  1  lin,i;ere(l,  thomihtfully.  foi'  a  mo- 
ment, lialf  in  disappointment,  half  in  anger,  and  witii  my  back  kMuiu'j:'  ajiaiust 
the  rock,  1  fancied  I  heard  a  rustling,  as  of  the  leaves  and  branches  of  inidei'- 
wood,  on  that  part  which  projected  like  a  canopy,  far  above  the  abyss.  I  bent 
my  eyes  eagerly  and  fixedly  on  the  spot  wlience  tlie  sound  proceeded,  and  |ir"- 
sently  could  distinguish  the  blue  sky  appearing  througli  an  aperluie,  to  \v!iijh 
was,  the  instant  afterwards,  applied  what  I  conceived  to  be  a  human  faci'.  No 
Hooner,  however,  was  it  seen  than  withdrawn;  and  then  the  lustling  ol  leaves 
wa.s  heard  again,  and  all  was  still  as  before. 

"A  new  direction  wus  now  given  to  my  feelings.  [  felt  a  [jresentiuuMit  that 
my  adventure,  if  prosecuted,  would  terminate  in  some  extraordinary  and  char- 
acteristic manner:  and  obeying,  as  I  ever  did,  the  (ii'st  inn)ul.se  of  my  heart,  [ 
prepared  to  grajiple  once  more  with  the  dillicidties  that  yet  rcniained  to  be 
surmounted.  Securing  mj-  gun  between  some  twisted  roots  tiial  grew  out  of 
and  adhered  to  the  main  body  of  the  rock,  J  couunenced  the  dillicult  assent ; 
and,  after  considei'able  etlbrt,  found  myself  at  length  inimediauly  under  the 
aperture.  My  progress  along  the  lowe;*  supe:Ticies  of  this  |)rqjeclion  was  like 
that  of  a  crawlin?:  reptile.  My  back  hung  susiiended  ovei'  the  chasm,  into 
which  one  false  luovuiueut  of  h;ind  OT'  foot,  one  yielding  of  the  nxits  entuined 
in  the  rock  must  inevitably  have  precipitated  me;  and.  while  my  toes  wormed 
them.selves  into  the  tortuous  (ibres  of  the  latter.  1  passed  hand  over  hand  be- 
yond my  head,  until  1  had  arrixed  within  a  foot  or  two  of  the  point  1  desired 
to  reach,  llei'c  howevir.  a  new  ditliculty  occured.  A  slight  projection  of  the 
rock,  clo.-^e  to  the  aperture,  impeded  my  further  progress  in  the  manner  hith- 
erto pursued;  and,  to  jiass  this,  I  was  compelled  to  di'op  my  whole  weight, 
suspended  by  one  vigorous  arm,  while,  with  the  other.  I  separated  tlie  bushes 
that  concealed  the  opening.  A  violent  exertion  of  every  nuiscle  now  impelled 
mc  upward,  until  at  length  I  had  so  far  succeeded  us  to  introduce  my  head 
and  shoulders  throng'ji  the  aperture ;  after  which  hiy  final  success  was  no 
longer  doubtful."  • 

One  of  those  painful  pauses  with  which  his  narrative  was  often  broken,  here 
occurred ;  and.  with  an  eneigy  that  terrified  her  whom  he  addressed,  AV'acousta 
pursued, — "Clam  dc  Ilaldimar,  it  was  here — in  this  garden — this  paradise — 
tliis  oasis  of  the  rocks  in  which  I  now  found  my.self,  that  I  first  saw  and  loved 
youf  mother,  lla  I  you  start:  you  believe  mc  now.  Loved  her !"  he  continued, 
after  another  short  pause — "  oh.  what  a  feeble  word  is  love  to  express  the  con- 
centration of  mighty  feelings  that  flowed  like  burning  lava  through  my  veins ! 
Who  shall  pretend  to  give  a  name  to  the  emotion  that  ran  thrillingly — madly 
through  my  excited  frame,  when  first  I  gazed  on  her,  who,  in  every  attribute 
of  wonumly  beauty,  realised  all  my  fondest  fancy  ever  painted  ? — Listen  to 
mc,  Claia,'  lie  puiMied,  in  a  fiercer  tone,  and  with  a  convulsive  pressure  of  the 
form  he  still  encircled  ; — '-If,  in  my  younger  days,  my  mind  was  alive  to  enter- 
prise, and  loved  to  contemplate  danger  in  its  most  appalling  forms,  this  was 
far  from  being  the  master  passion  of  my  .soul;  nay,  it  was  the  strong  necessity 
I  felt  of  pouring  into  some  devoted  bosom  the  overflowmg  fulness  of  my  heart, 
that  made  me  court  in  solitude  those  positions  of  danger  with  which  the  image 
of  woman  was  ever  associated. 

"  I  have  already  .said  that,  on  gaining  the  summit  of  the  rock,  T  found  my- 
self in  a  sort  of  oasis  of  the  mountains.    It  was  so.    Belted  in  on  every  hand 


193 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy 


by  bold  and  precipitous  crags,  that  seemed  to  defy  the  approach  even  of  the 
wildest  animals,  and  putting  utterly  at  fault  the  penetration  and  curiosity  of 
man,  was  spread  a  carpet  of  verdiirc,  a  luxuriance  of  ve;|,etation,  thiit  might 
have  put  to  shame  the  fertility  of  the  soft  breeze-nourished  valkys  of  Italy  and 
Southern  France. 

'•  At  iiliout  twenty  yards  from  the  aperture,  and  on  a  bank,  formed  of  turf, 
covered  with  moss,  and  intersperse<l  with  lO.'^es  and  honey-sncklcs,  sat  the 
divinity  oi'the  oasis.  She,  too,  was  dad  in  the  Highland  dress,  whieh  gave  an 
ftir  of  wildni'ss  and  elegance  to  her  llgure  that  was  in  classic  harmony  with  the 
surroimding  scenery.  At  tlie  moment  of  my  appearance  she  was  in  the  act  of 
dressing  the  wounded'  shoidder  of  a  stag  that  had  recently  been  shot ;  and 
from  the  broad  tnrUm  riband  I  perceived  attached  to  its  neck,  added  to  the 
fact  of  the  tamene.ss  of  the  animal,  1  presumed  that  this  stag,  evidently  a 
favorite  of  its  mistress,  was  the  same  I  had  fired  at  and  wounded.  The  n:.st- 
ling  I  Jnade  among  the  bushes  had  attracted  her  attention  ;  she  raised  her  eyes 
from  the  deer,  and  ))cho!diiig  me,  started  to  her  feet,  uttering  a  cry  of  terroi' 
and  s\iriirise.  Fearing  to  s]ieak.  as  if  the  sound  of  my  own  voice  were  sulhcient 
to  dispel  the  illusion  that  liicinated  both  eye  and  heart  into  delicious  tension 
on  her  form,  I  stood  for  some  mojnents  as  motionless  as  the  rock  out  of  which 
I  appeared  to  grow,  gaxiug  upon  her  I  was  destined  to  love  for  evci\ 

■'it  was  this  utter  immobility  on  my  own  piirt,  that  ensured  me  a  continu- 
ance of  the  exquisite  hap])iness  I  then  enjoyed.  The  lirst  movemoit  of  the 
startled  girl  had  been  to  lly  towards  her  dwelling,  which  stood  at  a  short 
distance,  half  imbedded  in  the  same  clustci'ing  roses  and  honey-suckles  that 
adorned  her  bank  of  moss ;  but  when  .she  remarked  my  utter  stillness,  and 
apparent  absence  of  purpose,  she  cheeked  tlic  impulse  that  woidd  have  direct- 
ed her  departure,  and  stopped,  half  in  curiosity,  half  in  fear,  to  examine  mc 
once  more.  At  that  moment  all  my  energies  appeared  to  be  restored  ;  I 
threw  myself  into  an  attitude  expressive  of  deep  contrition  for  the  intru.sion 
of  which  I  Imd  been  imconsciously  guilty,  and  dropping  on  one  knee,  and  rais- 
ing my  clasped  hands,  inclined  them  towards  her  in  token  of  mingled  depre- 
cation of  her  anger,  and  respectful  homage  to  herself.  At  first  she  hesitated, — 
then  gradually  and  timidly  retrod  her  way  to  the  seat  she  had  so  abruptly 
quitted  in  hei'  alarm.  Kmboldened  by  this  movement,  I  made  a  stc])  or  two 
in  advance,  but  no  sooner  had  1  done  so  than  she  again  took  to  ilight.  Once 
more,  however,  she  turned  to  behold  me,  and  again  I  had  drop])ed  on  my 
knee,  and  was  conjuring  her,  with  the  same  signs,  to  remain  and  bless  me 
with  her  presence.  ^  Again  she  returned  to  her  seat,  and  again  1  advanced. 
Scarcely  less  timid,  however,  than  the  deer,  which  followed  her  every  moment, 
she  lied  a  third  time, — a  third  time  looked  back,  and  was  again  indticed,  by  my 
supplicating  manner,  to  return.  Frequently  was  this  repeated,  before  1  finally 
found  myself  at  the  feet,  and  pressing  the  hand — (oh  Uod  I  what  torture  in 
the  racollection !) — yes,  pressing  the  hand  of  her  for  whose  smile  I  would, 
even  at  that  moment,  have  sacriliced  my  soul.  Such  was  your  mother,  Clara 
de  Haldimar  ;  yes,  even  such  as  I  have  described  her  was  VAiim  IJeverley." 

Again  Wacousta  pau.sed,  and  his  pause  was  longer  than  usual,  as,  with  his 
large  hand  again  covering  his  face,  he  seemed  endeavoring  to  master  the  feel- 
ings which  these  recollections  had  called  up.  ('lara  .scarcely  breathed.  Un- 
mindful of  her  desolate  jiosition,  her  .soul  was  intent  only  on  n  hir.tory  flint 
related  so  immediately  to  her  beloved  motlier.  of  whom  all  that  she  had 
hitherto  known  wa.s,  that  she  was  a  native  of  Scotland,  and  that  her  father 
had  married  her  wliile  quartered  in  that  country.  'J'he  deep  emotion  of  the 
terrible  being  before  her,  so  often  manifested  in  the  course  of  wliat  he  had 
already  given  of  his  recital,  added  to  her  knowledge  of  the  facts  just  named, 
scarcely  "left  a  doubt  of  the  truth  of  his  statement  on  her  mind,  iler  ear  was 
now  bent  aching  towards  him,  in  expectation  of  a  continuance  of  his  history, 
but  he  still  remained  in  the  same  attitude  of  absorption.  An  irresistible  im- 
pulse caused  her  to  extend  her  hand,  and  remove  hi.s  6^vn  from  his  eyes : 


\V  A  c  o  u  a  T  A 


(J  K 


T  HE      1>  11  U  P  11  E  C  Y 


103 


they  w<io  lilkil  with  tears;  and  even  while  her  mind  rapidly  umbrnccd  tho 
hope  that  this  manifestation  of  tenderness  was  but  the  dawning  of  mercy  to- 
wards the  children  of  her  he  liad  once  loved,  her  kind  nature  could  not  avoid 
sympathising  with  him,  whoso  uncouthness  of  appearance  and  savagencss  of 
nature  were,  in  some  mcasuru,  lost  sight  of  in  tho  fact  of  the  powerful  love  he 
yet  api)arcntly  acknowledged. 

But  no  sooner  did  V^acousta  feel  the  soft  pressure  of  her  hand,  and  meet 
her  eyes  turned  on  his  with  an  expression  of  interest,  than  the  most  rapid 
transition  wus  effected  in  his  feelings.  He  drew  tho  form  of  the  weakly  re- 
sisting girl  closer  to  his  heart ;  again  imprinted  a  kiss  upon  her  lips ;  and 
then,  while  every  muscle  in  his  iron  Iraino  seemed  quivering  with  emotion, 
exclaimed, — "  By  heaven  !  that  touch,  that  glance,  were  Clara  Beverley's.  Yes, 
Clara,"  he  proceeded  more  deliberately,  as  he  scanned  lier  form  with  an  eye 
that  made  her  shudder,  "  such  a.s  your  mother  was,  so  are  you ;  tho  same  de- 
licacy of  proportion  ;  tho  same  graceful  curvature  of  limb,  only  less  rounded, 
less  womanly.  But  you  must  be  younger  by  about  two  years  than  she  then 
was." 

There  was  a  cool  licence  of  speech — a  startling  freedom  of  manner — in  the 
latter  part  of  his  address,  that  disappointed  not  less  than  it  pained  and  of- 
fended the  unhappy  Clara.  She  shuddered ;  and  sighing  bitterly,  suffered  her 
tears  to  force  themselves  through  her  closed  lids  upon  her  pallid  cheek.  This 
change  in  her  appearance  seemed  to  act  as  a  check  on  the  temporary  excite- 
ment of  Wacousta.  Again  obeying  one  of  those  rapid  transitions  of  feeling, 
for  wliich  he  was  remarkablCj  he  once  more  assmned  an  expression  of  seri- 
ousness, and  thus  continued  his  narrative. 


CHAPTER  XXX. 


II  his 

Ifeel- 

Un- 

I  flint 

had 
^ther 

the 

liad 
^ned, 

was 
^ory, 

im- 
lyes : 


"  It  boots  not  now,  Clara,  to  enter  upon  all  that  succeeded  to  my  first  in- 
troduction to  your  mother.  It  would  take  long  to  relate,  not  the  gradations 
of  our  passion,  for  that  was  like  the  whirlwind  of  tho  desert,  sudden  and  de- 
vastating from  the  first ;  but  the  burning  vow,  the  plighted  faith,  the  repos- 
ing confidence,  the  unchecked  abondonment  that  flew  from  the  lips,  and  filled 
the  heart  of  each,  scaled,  as  they  were,  with  kisses,  long,  deep,  enervating, 
oven  such  as  I  had  ever  pictured  that  divine  pledge  of  human  aflection  should 
be.     Yes,  Clara  do  Ilaldim.ir,  your  mother  was  the  child  of  nature  tlien. 

"  T  was  not  always  the  rugged  being  I  now  appear.  Of  surpassing  strength 
I  had  livcr  been,  and  fleet  of  foot;  but  not  then  had  I  attained  to  my  present 
gigantic  stature ;  neither  was  my  form  endowed  with  the  same  herculean 
rudeness ;  nor  did  my  complexion  wear  the  swarthy  hue  of  the  savage ;  nor 
had  my  features  been  rendered  repulsive,  from  the  perpetual  action  of  those 
fierce  passions  which  have  since  assailed  my  soul. 

"  Your  mother  had  been  brought  up  in  solitude,  and  without  having  seen 
the  face  of  another  man  that  her  father.  Colonel  Beverley,  of  English  name, 
but  Scottish  connections,  was  an  old  gentleman  of  considerable  eccentricity  of 
character,  lie  had  taken  a  part  in  the  rebellion  of  1715  ;  but  sick  and  dis- 
gusted with  an  issue  by  which  his  fortunes  had  been  afl'ected,  and  heart- 
broken by  the  loss  of  a  beloved  wife,  whose  death  had  been  accelerated  by 
circumstances  connected  with  the  disturbed  nature  of  the  times,  he  had  resolv- 
ed to  bury  himself  and  child  in  some  wild,  where  the  face  of  man,  whom  ho 
loathed,  might  no  more  offend  his  sight.  This  oasis  of  the  mountains  was  the 
spot  sck'ctod  for  his  purpose ;  for  he  had  discovered  it  some  years  previously, 
on  an  occasion,  when,  closely  pursued  by  some  of  the  English  troops,  and  se- 
parated from  his  followers,  he  had  only  efl'ectcd  his  escape  by  venturing  on 
the  ledges  of  roek  I  have  already  described.     After  minute  subse<|UL'nt  search 

13 


104 


waooubta;  or,  thk  prophecy. 


at  tlic  op|M)siU'  extremity  of  tho  olilon^  belt  of  ro(k8  timt  Kliiit  it  in  on  every 
hand,  he  htwl  discoveit;(l  an  ojM'ninjr.  Ihnm^li  wliich  tlie  trnnsj)()rt  of  such  nc- 
ccssurieH  as  were  oNHentiul  to  ]\\n  oltject  nii^hl  he  cnected  ;  and,  canNinK  one  of 
his  dwelling  lioimcH  to  be  pulleii  down,  he  hud  tiie  niatei-iids  eunied  aeioss  the 
rocks  on  the  slioukiers  of  the  men  eni|iloyed  to  i-e-erect  them  in  hi«  chosen 
Bolitnde.  A  lew  montlis  served  to  ciinijilete  these  iirriinp'ments,  which  in- 
cluded a  (jarden  ahonndinji;  in  every  fruit  and  tk)wer  that  could  possibly  liv(! 
in  so  elevated  a  region;  and  this,  in  lime,  under  his  own  culture,  mid  that  of 
his  liau^hter,  bwame  the  Kden  it  first  appeiired  to  n\e. 

"  Previous  to  their  enteriii):  on  this  iinployinent,  the  workmen  had  been 
sovurally  sworn  to  secrecy  ;  anil  when  all  was  declared  ready  for  his  reception, 
tho  colonel  sunnnoned  them  a  second  lime  to  his  pnsenci' ;  when,  alter  mak- 
ing a  handsome  present  to  each,  in  additwn  to  his  hire,  he  I'ounil  no  dilllculty 
in  prevailinft  on  them  to  i-enew  their  oath  that  they  would  preserve  the  most 
Bcrupnlous  silence  in  repird  to  the  place  of  his  retreat,  lie  then  took  advan- 
tage of  a  dark  and  temjK'.stuo\is  night  to  execute  iiis  pniject ;  and.  attended 
only  by  an  old  woman  and  her  daunhter.  faithful  ile|ieii(iants  of  the  liimily. 
sot  out  in  (|uest  of  his  new  above,  leavinjj;  all  his  neifrhhors  to  discuss  and 
mai'vel  at  the  sinnularity  of  his  disappearance.  True  to  his  text,  however, 
not  even  a  boy  was  admitted  into  his  household  :  and  here  they  had  continued 
to  live,  unseeiiif?  and  unseen  by  man.  except  when  a  solitary  and  distant 
mountaineer  occasionally  flitted  ainouj:^  the  rocks  below  in  pursuit  of  hit; 
gante.  I'Vuits  and  vepetables  comjiosed  their  diet ;  but  once  a  fortnighl  the 
old  woniU'i  was  despatched  through  the  openinj;  already  mentioned,  which 
was  at  other  times  so  secur<'d  by  her  master  that  no  hand  but  his  own  cotdd 
remove  the  intricate  fasteiiiufrs.  This  exjjedition  had  for  its  object  the  ])ur- 
chase  of  bread  and  animal  food  at  the  nearest  market;  and  vwvy  time  she 
sallied  forth  an  oath  was  adminislered  to  the  crone,  the  purjxu't  of  which  was. 
not  only  that  she  would  return,  imless  prevented  (jy  violence  or  denth.  but 
that  she  would  not  ai>swer  any  questions  put  to  her.  as  to  whom  she  was, 
whence  she  came,  or  for  whom  the  fruits  of  her  marketiuj:;  were  intended. 

"  Meanwhile,  wrapped  up  in  his  books,  which  were  chiefly  classic  authors. 
or  writers  on  abstruse  sciences,  the  iiiisanthn»|iical  colonel  paid  little  or  no  at- 
tention to  the  cultivation  of  the  intellect  of  hisdaup;hter.  whom  he  had  merely 
instructed  in  the  elementary  branches  of  education  ;  in  all  which,  however, 
she  evinced  an  aptitude  and  ])erfectibility  that  indicated  (juickness  of  piiius 
and  a  capability  of  far  hif^her  attainments.  Books  he  principally  withheld 
from  her,  because  they  brou>;ht  the  iniafie  of  man,  whom  he  hated,  and  wished 
she  should  also  hate,  too  often  in  flatteriiif;  colors  before  her ;  and  had  any 
work  treating  of  love  been  foimd  to  have  crept  accidentally  into  his  own  col- 
lection, it  would  instantly  and  indignantly  have  been  committed  to  the  flames. 
" Thus  left  to  the  lution  of  her  own  heart — the  guidance  of  her  own  feel- 
ings— it  was  but  natural  your  mother  should  have  suffered  her  imagination 
to  repose  on  an  ideal  happiness,  which,  although  in  some  degree  destitute  of 
shape  .and  character,  was  still  jmwerfidly  felt.  What  dear  acknowledgments 
(alas !  too  deceitful)  flowal  from  her  guileless  lips,  even  during  our  first  in- 
terview. 

"  Two  long  and  delicious  hours."  pursued  Wacousta,  after  another  painful 
paus'.'  of  some  moments,  "did  wc  pass  together,  excjianging  thought,  and 
speech,  and  heart,  as  if  the  term  of  our  acquaintance  had  been  coeval  witli  the 
first  (lawn  of  om*  intellectual  life  ;  when  suddcnlj'  a  small  silver-toned  bell  was 
heard  from  the  direction  of  the  hotise,  hid  from  the  spot  on  which  we  sat  by 
the  luxuriant  foliage  of  an  inter\ening  laburmmi.  This  soimd  .seemed  to  di.s- 
sipate  the  dreamy  calm  that  had  wrapped  the  soul  of  your  mother  into  for- 
gctfulness.  She  started  suddenh^  n|>.  and  bade  me,  if  1  loved  her,  })egone ;  as 
that  bell  annotmced  her  required  attendance  on  her  father,  who,  now  awaken- 
ed from  the  mid-tlay  slumber  in  which  he  ever  induliied.  was  about  to  take 
his  accustomed  walk  aroimd  the  grounds ;  which  was  little  else,  in  fact,  than 


W  A  C  O  IT  8  T  A  ;      on,      r  II  K      I'  R  r.  p  II  K  C  Y  . 


a  close  inMiM'crlion  of  t\w  walls  of  liis  iiiilninl  ciislU'.  I  row  to  obey  her  : 
eyes  inot,  iiml  she  threw  herself  into  my  ixtemlt'd  iiniis.  Wo  whisiKTisl  aiMnr 
our  vowH  of  etenml  love.  She  eulltnl  ine  her  hiiHlmnd,  aii«l  I  i)ronouni*e«l  th* 
cnUeariii|j;  luiiuo  of  wife.  A  liurniu;;  kiss  soiled  the  eoini»act ;  and,  on  linr 
arehly  ohserving  that  the  sleep  of  her  fither  I'ontiiuiwl  ahoiit  two  hours  afc 
noon,  and  that  tho  old  woman  and  her  daiifjiiter  were  always  oecnjiied  wilMn 
doors,  I  promised  to  rejK'at  iny  visit  every  second  day  imtil  she  finally  rpiitted 
her  retreat  to  he  my  own  for  life. 

"  One  morninij;  1  had  hastily  sketched  an  outline  of  your  mothor's  fentores 
in  pencil,  with  a  view  to  assist  mo  in  the  design  of  a  miniature  I  pro|io«ed 
paintiufc  from  meiiiory.  While  o(;cupied  the  second  day  in  its  completion,  it 
occurred  to  me  1  was  in  orders  for  duty  on  the  foJIowin}!;,  which  wa:'  that  of 
my  promised  visit  to  the  oasis ;  and  I  de-^jiatched  my  servant  with  my  coo*- 
plunonts  to  your  father,  and  a  recjucst  that  he  would  he  so  ohlijtiii";  as  to  tain 
my  nuard  for  n\e  on  tho  to-morrow,  and  I  would  peiiorm  his  duty  when  next 
his  name  ai)pe!ired  on  tiie  roster.  Some  lime  afterwards  I  heard  the  door  of  tbs 
room  in  wldch  I  sat  open,  and  some  one  enter.  I'resmninjj  it  to  Ix!  my  ser- 
vant. Treturued  from  the  execnitioTi  of  the  messM|ie  with  which  he  had  just 
been  charged,)  I  j)aid  no  attention  f  o  the  circumstance ;  l)ut  lindnifr,  presently, 
he  did  not  speak,  I  turned  round  with  a  view  of  demandin};  what  answer  he 
had  l)rou|j;ht.  To  my  surpri.se.  however.  T  beheld,  not  my  servant,  Imt  your 
father.  lie  was  standing  lookinp;  over  my  shouldei*  at  the  work  on  which  I 
WOH  engaged ;  and  notwith.standing  in  the  instant  he  resumed  the  cold,  rjukfty 
smirking  look  that  usually  distinguished  him,  1  thought  I  could  trnoo  Du 
evidence  of  some  deep  emotion  which  my  action  had  sud<lenly  disi)elle<l.  lie 
apologised  for  hi.s  intrusion,  although  we  were  on  those  terms  that  rondcrtsd 
apology  unnece.s.sary,  but  said  he  ha<l  Just  receiveil  my  nussage,  and  preierrod 
coming  in  person  to  assure  me  how  hnppy  he  should  feel  to  take  my  duty,  or 
to  render  me  any  other  service  in  his  power.  I  thought  he  laid  luuisiial  em- 
phasis on  the  last  sentence ;  yet  I  thanked  him  warmly,  stating  that  the  only 
Bervice  I  should  now  exact  of  him  would  be  to  take  my  guard,  as  I  was  cox»- 
pelled  to  be  ab.sent  nearly  tho  whole  of  the  following  morning.  lie  observed 
with  a  smile,  he  hoped  1  was  not  going  to  veutiu-e  my  neck  on  those  danger- 
ous precipi(!es  a  second  time,  after  the  nanow  escaj)e  I  had  harl  c)n  the  [in'cal- 
ing  day.  As  he  spoke,  I  thought  his  eye  met  mine  with  a  sly  yet  scrutinising 
glance  ;  and,  not  wishing  to  reply  immediately  to  his  (luestion,  1  asketl  liiin 
what  he  thought  of  the  work  with  which  I  was  endeavoring  to  beguile  an  idle 
hour.  He  took  it  up,  and  I  watched  the  exi)ressii)n  of  his  handsome  counte- 
nance with  the  anxiety  of  a  lover  who  wishes  tlmt  all  should  think  hi.s  mis- 
tress beautiful  as  he  does  himself.  It  bctiayed  a  very  indefinite  sort  of  admi- 
ration ;  and  yet  it  struck  me  there  was  an  eagerness  in  his  dilating  eye  that 
contrasted  strongly  with  the  calm  and  unconcern  of  his  other  features.  At 
length  I  asked  him  laughingly,  what  lie  thought  of  my  Cornish  cousin.  He 
replied,  cautiously  enough,  tliat  sini;e  it  was  the  likeness  of  a  cousin,  and  he 
dwelt  emphatically  on  the  word,  he  could  not  fail  to  admire  it.  luindnr, 
however,  compelled  him  to  adnnt,  that  had  1  not  declared  the  original  to  be 
one  so  closely  co  aected  with  me,  he  should  have  said  the  talent  of  so  per- 
fect an  artist  might  have  been  better  employed. 

"  The  next  day  saw  me  again  at  the  side  of  jour  mother,  who  i-cceived  !■• 
with  the  same  artless  demonstrations  of  aflection.  After  tho  first  full  ami 
unreserved  interchange  of  our  souls'  best  feelings,  our  conversation  tamed 
\ipon  lighter  topics ;  and  I  took  an  oppoitunity  to  produce  the  fruit  of  my  ifv- 
plication  simic  we  i)artcd.  Never  shall  1  forget  tho  surprise  and  delight  tbil 
animated  her  beautiful  countenance  when  first  she  g»izea  upon  the  miniatmcu 
She  exiwcssed  a  strong  desire  to  retain  it;  and  to  this  I  readily  assented  j 
stipulating  only  to  keep  it  until  my  next  visit,  in  orrler  that  1  might  take  at 
exact  copy  for  myself.  She  herself,  she  said,  had  not  been  idle.  Althoi]^^ 
her  pencil  could  not  call  \ip  my  imajie  in  the  '^ame  inanner.  her  pen  had  better 


186 


W  A  C  O  U  «  T  A  ;      OR,     T  H  K      l>  U  O  p  ||  K  C  Y  . 


repaid  her  t'xcrlions  ;  ami  in  return  for  the  portrnit  she  woiilrl  (;ivc  mo  a  let- 
tor  sho  liiid  written  to  lte(,'iiilo  lirr  lonclincsH  on  the  preixvlinp;  fliiy.  Am  nIio 
!ij)okt'hlio  drew  »  Nenli'd  piicUct  from  '.lio  hosoni  of  her  dros.  niid  placing  it  in 
my  hund,  dt'siiv«|  nio  not  to  rend  it  until  I  had  returned  to  iiiy  lioine.  But 
there  was  an  expression  of  .sweet  confusion  in  her  lovely  rouiiteiiance,  and  n 
trei)idalion  in  her  ninnner.  tliat,  half  disclosing  the  truth,  rendered  n>e  utterly 
impatient  of  the  delay  imposed ;  and  eagerly  l)roaking  the  seal,  I  devunrcxl 
rather  than  read  its  contents. 

"  Accursed  nmdneNS  of  recollection  !"  p>n'su?il  Wacousta,  again  striking  his 
brow  violently  witli  his  hand, — "  why  is  it  that  I  ever  feel  thus  nnnianned 
while  reeurrin;,'  to  tliose  letters ?    Oh  !  Clara  de  Ifaldiniar.  never  did  woman 

Con  to  mim  such  dedanitions  of  teniierness  and  attiu-hment  as  that  too  dear 
ut  faithless  letter  of  your  motlier  contained.     All  coiilidingness,  she  sank 
her  head  \ipon  my  dust,  which  heaved  .scarcely  less  wildly  than  her  own. 

"The  hour  of  parting  at  length  arrived,  announced,  as  hcfore,  hy  the  .small 
boll  of  her  lather,  and  I  again  tore  niysolf  from  her  arms." 


CHAPTER  xxxr. 

•'  Nkaki.v  a  month  i)as.SL.l  away  in  this  manner ;  and  at  each  interview  our 
affection  seemed  to  increase.  One  day,  wliilc  preparing  to  set  out  on  my  cus- 
tomary excursion,  a  report  suddenly  reached  mo  that  the  route  had  arrived 
for  the  regiment,  who  were  to  march  from within  three  days.  This  in- 
telligence I  received  with  inconceivable  delight ;  for  it  had  been  .settled  by 
your  mother  and  my.self,  that  this'  .should  bo  tho  moment  chosen  for  her  de- 
parture, 

"  With  a  glowing  cheek  and  a  coimtenance  radiant  with  happiness,  did 
your  mother  receive  my  proposal  to  prepare  for  her  departure  on  the  follow- 
ing day.  She  was  sulliciently  aware,  even  throiigh  what  [  had  stated  myself, 
that  there  were  certain  ceremonies  of  the  church  to  bo  performed,  in  order  to 
give  .sanctity  to  our  miion,  and  ensure  her  own  personal  respectahility  in  the 
world ;  and  these,  I  told  her,  wotdd  he  solemnised  by  the  chaplaiii  of  tho 
regiment.  She  implicitly  confided  in  mc  ;  and  she  was  right ;  for  i  loved  her 
too  well  to  make  her  my  mistress,  while  no  barrier  existed  to  her  claim  to  a 
dearer  title. 

"  The  only  difficulty  that  now  occurred  was  the  manner  of  her  llight.  I 
had  proposc(i,  as  the  most  feasible  and  rational  plan,  thai  the  colonel  should 
bo  compelled  to  give  us  egrcj^s  thiough  the  secret  jiassage,  when  wc  might 
command  tho  services  of  the  old  woman  to  guide  us  through  the  passes  that 
led  to  the  town  ;  but  to  this  your  mother  most  urgently  objected,  declaring 
that  she  would  rather  encounter  any  personal  peril  tliat  might  attend  her  es- 
cape in  a  different  manner,  than  appear  to  be  a  participator  in  an  act  of  vio- 
lence against  her  parent,  whose  obstinacy  of  character  she  moreover  knew  too 
well  to  leave  a  hope  of  his  being  intimidated  into  the  accomplishment  of  our 
object,  even  by  a  threat  of  death  itself.  This  plan  I  was  therefore  compelled 
to  abandon  ;  and  !is  neither  of  us  were  able  to  discover  the  passage  by  which 
tho  deer  always  elfected  its  entrance,  f  wa,s  obliged  to  fix  upon  one,  which  it 
wa.s  urged  should  be  put  in  practice  on  the  following  day. 

"  On  my  return,  I  occupied  myself  with  preparations  for  the  reception  of 
her  who  was  so  speedily  to  become  my  wife.  Unwilling  that  she  shoidd  bo 
seen  by  any  of  my  companions,  until  the  ceremony  was  finally  jjorformed,  I 
engaged  apartments  in  a  small  retired  cottage,  distant  .about  hall'  a  mile  from 
the  furthest  cxtresnity  of  the  town,  where  1  purposed  she  should  remain  un- 
til the  regiment  tinally  riuittod  the  station.  This  point  .secured.  1  hi'.sti'ned 
to.  the  quarters  of  the  chapb'.in,  to  engage  his  .services  for  the  foilowin^r  evc- 


•*. 


w  A  c  o  II  H  r  A  ;    II  n  ,    r  ii  r.    v  it  o  v  ii  k  c  v  . 


107 


nin(^;  )>iif  Iio  wa>i  IVoiii  Immo  at  tlic  tiiin'.  ii  il  I  rcniiirc.l  ti>  my  own  rooms, 
t(»  iiifpiiri'  (lie  means  of  t'siaiii"  IWr  your  motlii-r.  'I lii's^-  occiipiiMl  mis  until  a 
very  lute  hour;  aivl  when  at  li'ii^lli  I  rctiivil  to  ri-<t,  it  wa;  (iily  t(,  iiidulg;* 
ill  til''  rimiitst  imaiiiiiiii;:^  lliat  ever  llllnl  (lie  lu-ait  of  a  lioMilo'!  lover.  AIoh! 
(and  (lie  ilark  warrior  a;;aiii  si^rlieil  lie.ivily)  tho  day-ctrcuiii  oC  mv  happinoHS 
was  iilretuly  fust  (irawiii'r  to  a  (-lose. 

"  At  liiilf  an  hour  licl'mc  mioii,  I  was  iu.Miii  in  the  oasi.-; ;  your  mother  was 
nt  the  wonted  siKit ;  and  allhou(^Ii  she  rereived  me  wiih  her  Mumiust  MinilcM, 
there  \»'ei\'  traces  of  tears  upon  her  cheek.  She  inipli)ri<l  me  to  Corj^ive  lior 
weakness;  hut  it  was  the  (liv.t  time  she  was  to  Im  j-c  parated  fium  her  |iarunt; 
iin<l  conscious  lis  she  was  (hut  it  was  lo  he  for  ever,  siie  could  not  rejiruss  the 
feeliiK;'  that  rose,  despite  of  herself,  U>  lar  heart.  .'«lie  h:i'!,  however,  prepared 
a  letter.  I't  my  >ii'.r|:'''slion.  to  )>'•  left  on  lu'r  tiivoiia-  muss  si'at.  where  it  wiw 
likely  slii'  wouhl  (list  he  .>-oii^'ht  hy  hei'  falliei',  to  as  tire  him  of  her  .safety, 
nnd  of  her  prospects  of  future  haji)iiniss;  and  tiie  consciousness  that  he 
would  lalior  under  no  hairowin;r  iiii''ertaiiity  in  re;.'ard  to  her  fate,  itemed  mt 
leti'^rth  to  ,sootlie  and  :-:itisfv  her  heart. 

"I  now  led  her  (o  the  aperture,  where  I  had  left  the  appar.it.us  provided  for 
my  purpose:  this  consisted  of  a  close  luttin.u;.  r.U'iut  four  d'ct  in  depth,  with 
11  hoard  for  a  footstool  at  the  Iiottoiu,  ami  fiirnislu  1  at  inlerv.ils  with  hooi»8, 
no  as  to  keep  it  full -and  open.  'I'lie  top  of  this  nettin;.;'  wms  provided  with 
two  handles,  to  whii.'h  were  atlacheii  the  cnis  of  ;;  cord  m:iny  fathoms  m 
leii<rtli ;  tl  0  whole  of  such  duraliility.  as  to  have  lioiiie  wei<>!itse(iual  to  tlioso 
of  three  ordinary  sized  mun,  with  wliich  I  had  proved  it  prior  to  my  .setting 
out.  .My  first  care  was  to  liaudape  the  eyes  of  your  mother,  (who  willinji;Iy 
and  feai'lessly  Huhmitted  to  all  1  propo.sed.)  that  she  uii;;ht  not  .see,  and  be- 
come faint  with  seeinj;  the  terrihie  c  hasm  uwv  which  she  was  about  to  be 
suKpeiided.  1  then  placed  her  within  the  iiettin;;'.  which,  fitiing  crlosely  to  her 
person,  and  reochinfr  under  her  arms,  completely  secured  her ;  iind  my  next 
ur{!;cnt  rcque.st  was,  that  she  should  not,  on  any  account,  remove  the  bandage 
or  make  the  slightest  movement,  when  she  found  hvr.-elf  stntioiiary  below, 
until  1  had  joined  her.  I  then  dropjied  her  gently  through  the'.jOrture,  low- 
ering fathom  after  fathom  of  the  rope,  the  cuds  of  which  1  had  "■  nily  secured 
rouml  the  trunk  of  a  tree,  as  an  adilitional  safeguard,  until  she  finally  camo 
on  a  level  with  that  part  of  the  clilf  on  which  I  had  repo.sed  when  iirst  she 
beliidd  nic.  As  .she  still  hung  immediately  over  the  abyss,  it  was  neces-sory 
to  give  a  gradual  impetus  to  her  weight,  to  enable  her  to  gain  the  landing- 
place,  f  now,  therefore,  commenced  swinging  iier  to  and  fro,  until  she  at 
length  came  so  near  the  point  di'.sired.  that  I  clearly  saw  the  jirincipal  'liflicul- 
ty  was  surmounted.  'J'he  necessary  motion  having  been  given  to  the  balance, 
with  one  vigorous  and  final  impulsion  1  dexterously  contrived  to  depo.sit  her 
several  feet  from  the  edj.re  of  the  lower  lock,  when,  slackening  the  rope  on  the 
instant.  I  had  the  inexpressible  .satisfaction  to  see  that  she  remained  firm  and  sta- 
tionary. The  waving  of  her  .scarf  immediately  afterwards  (a  signal  previously 
agreed  upon),  announced  she  had  sustained  no  injury  in  this  rather  rude  col- 
lision with  the  rock,  and  I  in  turn  conuncnced  my  descent. 

"  Fearing  to  cast  away  tho  ends  of  the  rope,  lest  their  weight  .should  by 
any  chance  ailect  the  balance  of  the  footiu;;'  your  motlier  had  obtained,  I  now 
secured  them  around  my  loins,  and  accomiilishing  my  descent  in  the  customa- 
ry manner,  speedily  found  iny.self  OTice  more  at  the  side  of  my  heart'.s  dearest 
treasure.  I  jireparcd  to  execute  the  renuviuder  of  my  task  ;  and  again  applied 
the  bandage  to  her  eyes,  saying  that,  although  the  jirincipal  danger  was  over, 
still  there  was  another  I  could  not  bear  she  should  look  upon. 

"  Disengaging  the  rope  from  the  handles  of  the  netting,  I  now  applied  to 
these  11  broad  leathern  belt,  and  stooping  with  my  back  to  the  cherislied  bur- 
den with  which  I  was  about  to  charge  myself,  passed  the  centie  of  the  belt 
acros.s  my  chest,  much  in  the  manner  in  which,  as  you  are  aware.  Indian 
women  carry  their  infant  children.    As  an  additional  pi'ecaulioii,  I  had  .secured 


'«8 


WACO  V  S  T  A 


O  K 


T  11  K      P  R  O  1'  H  i;  C  V, 


^H'-  Ti?'' finpj  ronml  iiiv,  wai't  liy  a  sh'oii';;  Ijiciup:  of  cord,  ar.d  llii'ii  raisfn^'  niy- 
*rif  to  iKv  full  h('i'.>;l:t  ;ni>l  .•iitisf\ iiij-  inys.'lf  of  tho  jwrfect  freedom  of  action 
M'  rny  liiuhs.  seized  ii  liuiLr  halauciii'j;  [lolc  1  liad  left,  siisjieiided  afraiiist  tho 
.i^)(■l^  III  vny  last  visii,  and  i-onnniiici'd  my  descent  of  tho  sloping  ridge.  On 
apjiroacliiii^'  the  iio-vil)!.' chasii,,  a  feilin.n  of  faintness  cjimo  over  mo,  despite 
I'jf  ilie  coiili'ieiic''  '.vilh  wiiicli  1  lia'i  p'cviou.sly  armed  myself.  This,  howevur, 
war-  l>ut  UKMneiitary.  Heiisihle  tiia'c  every  tiling  depcndod  on  rapidity  of 
moiTcineiv,.,  I  ]);insed  not  in  my  coni'se  ;  but,  fniickonin;:;  my  pace  a.s  I  jrradii- 
aJJy  drew  nearer,  ,uave  the  necessary  impetus  to  my  motion,  and  cleared  tho 
,^p  with  a  fai  ility  tar  exceedinii'  wliat  liad  ilistinsruished  my  hrst  passajre,  and 
srijich  Mas  the  t'rnil  of  constant  ])rai'tice  alone.  Hero  my  balance  was  .sus- 
tained by  the  pole  ;  and  at  length  1  had  tho  inexpressible  .satisfaction  to  find 
myself  at  thi'  vei-y  extremity  of  the  riduo.  and  immediately  at  the  point  where 
1  had  left  my  conipanious  in  my  lirst  memorable  pursuit. 

Tn  the  (leep  transports  of  my  joy.  1  once  more  threw  myself  on  ray 
kssee.s  in  siw^'chless  tlianki^<rivin;'-  to  Providence  for  the  complete  success  of  iny 
TUidertMKinn'.  Voui'  mother,  wliom  I  had  i)reviously  released  from  her  con- 
Sstmeut,  did  tho  same;  and  at  that  moment  tho  union  of  our  hearts  seemed 
tfco  }fl'  ccniented  l)y  v  divine  inllueuce.  manifested  in  the  fullness  of  gratitude  of 
eark.  Throwinu;  over  her  shoulders  the  mantle  of  a  youth,  which  I  liad  sc- 
CT<'tvd  near  tho  spot.  I  enjoined  lier  to  follow  mo  closely  in  tlic  path  I  was 
»btjnt  to  piu'sue. 

t  "'  J  have  not  hitherto  found  it  necessary  to  state,"  continued  Wiicou.sta,  his 
hrisw  lowering  with  tierce  and  gloomy  thouglit,  "  that  more  than  once,  latter- 
ly, on  my  return  from  tho  oasis,  which  was  usually  at  a  stated  hour,  I  had 
<in>ervod  a  hunter  hc\ering  near  tho  end  of  tho  ledge,  yet  quickly  retreating 
ati  I  advanced.  There  was  something  in  the  ligurc  of  this  man  that  recalled 
t»  my  recollection  the  form  of  j'onr  iiither ;  but  ever,  on  my  return  to  quar- 
feTS,  [  found  him  in  uniform,  and  exhibiting  any  tiling  but  the  appearance  of 
XMce  who  had  recently  been  threading  his  weary  way  among  rocks  and  fast- 
»«s,ses.  Besides,  tho  improbability  of  this  fact  was  so  great,  that  it  occupied 
nffit  my  attention  beyond  the  passing  moment.  On  the  present  occasion, 
JBMPever,  T  saw  tho  same  hunter,  rnd  was  mori'  forcibly  than  ever  .struck  by 
tke  resemblance  to  my  friend.  Prior  to  my  quitting  the  point  where  I  had 
liberated  your  mother  from  the  netting,  1  had,  in  addition  to  the  disguise  of 
tbe  cloak,  found  it  necessary  to  make  some  alteration  in  tho  arrangement  of 
bm  hair  ;  tho  redundancy  of  which,  as  it  lloated  gracefully  over  her  polished 
neck,  was  in  itself  suflicicnt  to  betray  her  sex.  With  this  view  1  had  removed 
lM?r  plumed  bonnet.  It  was  the  first  time  [  had  seen  her  without  it ;  and  so 
ffcfcply  impressed  was  I  by  the  angel  like  character  of  the  extreme  feminine 
twauty  she,  mere  than  over,  then  exhiliitod,  that  1  knelt,  in  silent  adoration  for 
^wme  moments  at  her  feet,  mj-  eyes  and  countenance  alone  expressing  the 
fisTont  and  almost  holy  emotion  of  my  enraptured  soul. 

"  linmediatoly  wo  pursued  our  conrse  ;  and  after  an  hour's  rather  laborious 
iKTortion,  at  length  emerged  from  tho  .succession  of  glens  and  rocks  that  lay 
Vii  our  way ;  when  .skirting  the  valley  in  which  the  to"-n  was  situated,  wo 
fiiaally-  reached  tho  cottage  whore  1  had  secured  my  lodging.  Previous  to  t  i- 
tering  it,  I  had  told  your  mother,  that  for  the  few  hours  that  would  intervene 
9it/ore  the  marriage  ceremony  could  bo  performed,  1  should,  by  way  of  lulling 
Utt  curiosity  of  lier  hostess,  introduce  her  as  a  near  relative  of  my  own. 
This  I  did  accordingly  ;  and,  having  seen  that  every  thing  was  comfbitably 
arranged  for  her  convenience,  and  recommending  lior  strongly  to  tho  care  of 
the  old  woman,  I  set  olV  once  more  in  search  of  the  chaplain  of  the  regiment. 
Before  I  could  reach  his  residence,  however,  I  was  met  by  a  sergeant  of  my 
company,  who  came  running  towards  me,  evidently  with  some  intelligence  of 
imoment.  He  stated,  that  my  presence  was  required  without  delay.  Tlio 
^p^nadiers,  wUh  tho  senior  subaltern,  were  in  order.*?  for  detachment  for  an 
ia»pnrtant  service  :  and  considerable  displeasure  had  been  manifested  by  tho 


% 


W  A  C  (>  II  S  T  A  ;      0  U  ,      THE      PROPHECY. 


100 


coloiiul  iit  my  absi'iico.  C'>|M'('iully  us  of  late  I  liad  ,t;rcatly  iicgloctod  my  military 
duties.  Ik'  had  huoii  lookin;.;;  for  me  every  where.  '  ■.>  said,  but  without  suc- 
ce.-;s.  when  K,iisij:ii  de  llaldiinar  had  pointed  out  to  him  in  what  direction  it 
was  likely  I  mi,!j;ht  be  (bund. 

'•  With  a  beating-  heart  did  T  assume  an  nniform  that  appeared,  at  that  mo- 
mo»>t.  liideous  in  my  eyes ;  yet  1  was  not  without  a  liope  1  mi^lit  jret  ofi'  tliis 
ill-tiuied  duty.  IJefoie  I  liad  completed  my  ('(pujjment,  yoiu'  father  enterod 
my  (piurters;  and  when  I  first  };laneeil  my  eye  full  npon  his.  I  thoujt'hi  his 
counieniince  exhibited  evidences  of  confusion.  This  immediately  remincd  me 
of  the  unknown  hunter,  and  I  asked  him  if  he  was  not  the  person  T  described. 
Ills  answer  was  i  it  a  positive  denial.  l)nt  a  mi.xturc  of  railery  ami  surprise 
that  lulled  my  doubts,  enfeebled  as  they  were  by  the  restored  calm  of  his 
features.  1  then  told  him  that  I  liad  a  particular  favor  to  ask  of  him,  which, 
in  consicieratiou  of  our  friendship,  T  trusted  he  would  not  refuse  ;  and  that  was, 
to  take  my  duty  in  the  exjtedition  about  to  set  forth.  Ilis  manner  implied 
concern ;  and  he  asked,  with  a  look  that  had  nnich  deliberate  expression  in  it, 
"if  I  was  aware  that  it  was  a  duty  ii,  which  blood  was  cxjiected  to  be  shed? 
He  could  not  suppose  that  any  consideration  would  induce  me  to  resi'ni  my 
duty  to  another  oHicer,  when  apprised  of  this  fact.'  All  tliis  was  said  with  the 
air  of  one  reidly  interested  in  my  honor;  but  in  my  incrcasinpr  impatience,  I 
told  hun  I  wanted  none  of  liis  cant ;  f  simply  asked  him  a  favor,  which  ho 
would  ,<;rant  or  decline  as  he  thougSt  proper.  Tins  was  a  harshness  of  lan- 
guage T  had  never  indulged  in ;  but  my  mind  was  sore  under  the  existing 
causes  of  my  annoyance,  and  I  could  not  bear  to  have  my  motives  reflected  on 
at  a  moment  when  my  heart  was  torn  w  ith  all  the  agonic.'^  attendant  on  the 
position  in  which  1  found  myself  placed.  His  cheek  paled  antl  flushed  more 
thai  once,  before  he  replied,  '  that  in  spite  of  my  unkindness  his  friendship 
miglit  induce  him  to  do  much  for  me,  oven  as  he  had  hitherto  done,  but  t!iat 
on  the  present  occasion  it  rested  not  wit  ...u.  Jn  order  to  justify  himself  he 
would  no  longer  disguise  the  fact  from  me,  that  the  colonel  had  declared,  in 
the  presence  of  the  whole  regiment.  I  should  take  my  duty  regularly  in  future, 
and  not  be  sutfered  to  make  a  convenience  of  the  ser^'ice  any  longer.  If,  how- 
ever, he  cou'd  do  anythmg  for  me  during  my  ab.scnce,  1  had  but  to  command 
hhn. 

"While  1  was  yet  giving  vent,  in  no  measured  terms,  to  the  inuignntiou  I 
felt  at  being  made  the  subject  of  public  rensm'e  by  the  colonel,  the  same  .ser- 
geant came  into  the  room,  aimoun'-ing  that  t'le  company  were  only  waiting 
for  mo  to  march,  and  that  the  colonel  desired  my  instant  jiresence.  In  the 
agitation  of  my  feelings,  I  scarcely  knew  what  I  did.  putting  several  jiortions 
of  my  regimental  eqiuimient  on  me  so  coni,^iletely  awry,  that  your  father  no- 
ticed and  rei'tilied  the  erroi's  i  had  committed;  while  again,  in  the  pre.sen(!0  of 
the  .sergeant,  i  expres.<cd  the  deepest  regret  he  could  not  relieve  nic  from  a 
duty  that  was  hateful  to  the  last  degree. 

••  'I'oni  with  agony  at  the  thought  of  the  \mccrtainty  in  which  1  was  com- 
pelled to  leave  hei-  whom  1  so  fondlj'  adored.  I  had  no  other  alternative  than 
to  make  a  partial  confident  of  yoin-  father.  I  told  him  that  in  the  cottage 
which  1  pointed  out  he  would  find  the  original  of  the  j)ortraiL  he  haii  seen  mo 
painting  on  a  former  o.-easioi.. — the  (,'ornish  cousin,  whose  beauty  he  profes,sed 
to  lu;ld  so  cheaply.  More  he  should  know  of  her  on  my  return  ;  but  at  prc- 
.scnt  I  conlided  her  to  his  honor,  and  begged  he  would  prove  his  friendship  for 
m'  by  rendering  her  whatever  attention  she  might  require  in  her  hmiible 
abode.  With  these  hurried  injunctions  he  promised  to  comply  ;  and  it  has 
oftei  occurred  to  me  sinix",  although  I  <'.id  not  remark  it  at  the  lime,  that  while 
his  voice  and  manner  were  calm,  there  was  a  burning  glow  npon  his  handsome 
cheek,  and  a  suppres.sed  exultation  in  his  eye,  that  I  had  never  observed  on 
either  before.  1  then  quitted  th.e  room  ;  and  hestening  to  my  company  with 
a  gloom  on  my  brow  that  indicateil  the  \vretclu'dness  of  ray  inward  spirit,  was 
soon  afterwards  on  the  march  from ," 


200 


w 


A  C  (>  0  8  r  A  ;      OK,    THE     1'  K  O  I'  H  E  C  Y  , 


(MiArTKii  xxxn. 

"If.  Iiithi'ito,  (Miini  do  Ilaldiiiiiiv,  I  have  booh  iniiiuto  in  ihc  dotail  of  iill 
tliat  iittt'iukMl  inv  coniK'c'tiou  wilh  your  motlii'r.  it  has  been  with  tx  view  to 
provo  (')  _v<»ii  how  deeply  I  have  liteii  iijiirod ;  out  I  havo  now  arrived  at  a 
part  of  my  iiistory.  wiien  to  iiii^er  on  the  |)ast  woulil  j;oad  me  irJo  iiuKhie.ss, 
and  render  me  untit  for  the  iiiirpnse  to  which  1  h:ive  devoted  myseh*. 

"  Will  yon  eredil  the  monstrous  truth,"  iie  aiMed.  in  u  lleree  '.Mil,  coinposod 
whisper,  wliile  he  hent  eaiivriy  uvi  r  tiie  lorni  of  the  treudiHnu;  yet  attentive 
girl,  "when  I  tell  you  tint,  on  my' retuiii  tVom  the  I'atal  expediticu,  duriuj;- my 
oontinnanee  on  which  her  iniap'  had  never  oiiee  hcen  ahscut  from  my  minii.  I 
foimd  Clara  iteverlcy  tlie  wife  of  He  lltddiuiiir  i"  To  what  .^iatanic  arts  so  cal- 
cnlatinu;  a  \illain  cnnld  have  recr  -rsc  to  ellect  his  o])jec(  I  know  noi  ;  hut  it  is' 
not  the  less  ti'iic,  th.it  she,  I'roni  wliom  my  previous  hisinry  must  ha\e  tau(:!;hf, 
you  to  expect  the  purity  ol'  inieniion  and  conduct  of  an  anjrel.  hecinie  lii.s 
wife. — ami  I.  a  l)ein;j;  aceiu'.sed  anionic  men."  Here  (he  aj.'ilalion  of  \Vae'Uista 
hecame  terrilic.  'Ilu:  lahoritin'  of  his  chest  was  like  that  of  one  convulsed  with 
some  raekini^;  aii,ony ;  and  the  swolK'u  veins  and  ai'terii's  of  liis  head  seemed  to 
threaten  liie  e.\tiu<iion  of  life  in  sonu'  fearful  paroxysm.  .\t  leuiih  he  hur.st 
into  a  violent  lit  of  tears,  move  appalliuji-,  in  one  of  his  iron  nature,  than  th(! 
fury  which  had  preceded  it, — aiul  it  was  many  minutes  before  he  could  si)  far 
comjiose  himself  as  to  resmue. 

"  Think  not.  Clara  de  llaldiinar,  I  siR'ali.  without  the  proof  Her  own  woni.s 
confes.sed,  her  uwn  li])s  avowed  it.  and  yet  I  neither  slew  her.  nor  her  para- 
mour, nor  myself.  On  my  return  to  the  rcfriment  I  had  llown  to  the  eottaj^e, 
on  the  wiujas  of  the  most  impatient 'and  tender  love  that  ever  tilled  the  Imsoui 
of  man  for  woman.  To  my  empiiries  the  landlady  replied,  that  my  cousin  luut 
been  married  two  days  previously,  by  the  military  chaplain,  to  a  l\andsomo 
yonnK  ottieer.  who  had  visited  her  soon  after  my  departiu'e,  and  was  constantly 
with  her  from  that  moment ;  and  that  immediately  after  the  eereiiiony  they 
had  left,  hut  siie  knew  not  whither.  Wild,  desperate,  almost  bereft  of  veastui, 
and  with  u  heart  honndini;-  a;;ainst  my  bosom,  as  if  eacl\  af;onisin;i,-  thi-oh  were 
to  be  its  last.  I  ran  like  a  nuuiiac  back  into  the  town,  nor  ))!Uised  till  I  foimcl 
iny.self  in  the  jire.sence  of  your  father.  .My  mind  was  a  volcano,  but  still  1  at- 
tempted to  he  calm,  even  while  I  ehariivd  him.  in  (he  most  outraiivous  (.'rins, 
with  liis  villany.  Donv  it  he  eoidd  no(  ;  hut,  far  from  exeusin;j  it.  he  hohlly 
avowed  and  jtistiiiod  (Ic  sh'p  he  had  taken.  intimatiuLT.  with  a  smile  full  of 
ineaniuir.  there  was  nolhinn  ni  a  conncclinn  with  the  lamily  of  l>e  Jlaliiiin.ar 
to  relleet  disjjrace  ou  the  cousin  of  Sir  Re.uinald  Aforton  ;  and  thai  the  hi';hest 
compliment  he  couKl  jiay  his  frii'ud  was  (d  attach  himself  (o  one  whom  that 
friend  had  declared  to  l)e  so  near  a  relative  of  his  own.  There  v,-as  ;i  coldness 
of  taunt  in  these  remai'ks,  that  io»iilied  his  sense  of  the  dweption  I  had  prac- 
tised on  him.  in  regard  to  the  true  nature  of  the  rv'lationship ;  and  I'ny  a  mo- 
ment, while  my  hand  liruily  jiiMsped  the  hilt  of  my  sword,  1  hesitated  whether 
I  sliouM  not  cut  him  down  at  i.n  l''i  i  ;  I  had  self  connnand.  Iid.'.cm  r,  to  ah- 
.s(ain  \hn\\  (he  outra::-e.  and  1  lune  olleii  since  rc'^rctttd  I  had.  My  o'.vii  blood 
could  I'.ave  but  b' -n  sjjiit  ia  atonement  for  niyju;'  ivvenw  ;  and  as  i'or  iho 
obloipiy  attacln  ,1  to  tiie  memory  of  the  assassin,  i(  could  not  ha'.e  licci;  mnnt 
bitter  than  (h.    which  has  t'olln'.vt'd  me  tlnouiih  life. 

'•For  weeks  '.  was  insensible  to  anylhini;  but  the  dreadful  shock  my  soul 
had  sustained.  A  heavy  stupor  wei;.\lied  me  down,  and  for  a  period  it  wn.s 
supposed   my  reason  was  ovevthrown:  no  such  mercy  was  resi'rveil  for  inc. 

The  rejiiment  had  (juitted  the  lliuhlands.  and  were  now  slaliouary  in . 

whither  1  had  accompanied  it  in  arrest.  The  restoration  of  my  ficulties  was 
the  sittnal  for  new  persecutions.  Scarcely  had  the  medical  otlicer.s  reported 
me  lit  to  >ustain  the  (.u<!"al.  when  a  court-martial  was  a.'^iinibled  to  trv  mo 


w 


A  c  ()  u  s  T  A. ;    ()  u  ,    run    i>  r  u  i>  ii  k  c  y 


201 


on  a  variety  of  cliiirgos.  Who  was  my  proscciitor ?  Iji-tcn,  Clara,"  nnd  he 
shook  hiT  violently  hy  the  ann.  •"  lli'  wlio  had  robbctl  me  of  all  that  pave 
value  to  life  ami  incentivo  to  honor, — he  who,  under  the  guise  of  friendship, 
had  stolon  into  the  Kden  of  my  love,  and  left  it  harrenless  of  aft'ection.  In  a 
word,  y(.n  detested  K<'veinor,  to  whoso  inhuman  t;raelty  even  the  son  of  luy 
brother  has,  by  some  strange  fatality  of  coincidence,  so  recently  fallen  a 
second  saorilico.  (Curses,  curses  on  him,"  he  pursued  with  frightful  vehemence, 
half  risinf?  as  lie  spoke,  and  holdinp,'  forth  his  rijjht  aruj  in  a  menaeiii);  atti- 
tude; "but  ',ti'>  hour  of  retribution  is  at  hand,  and  reveiigc,  the  exchwive 
passion  of  the  Kods,  shall  at  length  be  mine.  In  no  other  country  in  the 
world — luider  no  other  circumstances  than  the  present — could  I  have  so  se- 
cured it. 

"  What  wore  the  charges  preferred  against  mc  ?"  he  continued,  with  a  vio- 
lence that  almost  petrified  the  unhappy  girl.  '•  Hear  them,  and  judge  whether 
I  have  not  cause  for  the  inextinguishable  hate  that  rankles  at  my  heait. 
Every  trilling  disobedience  of  orders — every  partial  neglect  of  duty  tliat  could 
be  rnked  up — was  tortured  into  a  specitic  charge  ;  and,  as  I  have  already  ad- 
mitted, I  had  latterly  transgressed  not  a  little  in  this  respect,  these  were  nu- 
merous enough.  Yet  they  were  but  preparatory  to  others  of  greater  magni- 
tude. Will  you,  can  you  believe  anything  half  so  atrocious,  as  that  your 
father  should  have  called  on  a  petty  ofHcer  not  only  to  prove  some  violent  and 
insubordinate  language  I  had  used  in  reference  to  the  commanding  officer  in 
my  own  rooms,  but  also  to  substantiate  a  charge  of  cowardice,  grounded  on 
the  unwillingness  1  had  expressed  to  accompany  the  expedition,  and  the  ex- 
traordinary trepidation  I  had  evinced  while  preparing  for  the  duty,  manifested, 
as  it  was  stated  to  be,  by  the  various  errors  he  had  rcctilied  in  my  equipment 
with  his  own  hand  ?  Yes,  even  this  pitiful  charge  was  one  of  the  many  pre- 
ferred ;  but  the  severest  was  that  which  he  had  the  unblushing  effrontery'  to 
make  the  subject  of  public  investigation,  rather  than  of  private  redress — the 
blow  1  hail  struck  hun  in  his  own  apartments.  And  who  was  his  witness  in 
this  n\onstrous  charge  ? — your  motlier,  Clara.  Yea,  I  stood  as  a  criminal  in 
her  presence ;  and  ytit  she  came  forward  to  tender  an  evidence  that  was  to 
consign  mc  to  a  disgraceful  sentence.  My  vile  prosecutor  liad,  moreover,  the 
cncoiuagement  and  sanction  of  his  colonel  throughout,  and  by  liim  he  was 
upheld  in  every  contemptible  charge  his  ingenuity  could  devise.  Do  you  not 
anticipate  tlu;  result  ? — I  was  found  guilty  and  dismis.sed  the  service. 

"  What  agonies  of  mind  1  endured, — what  burning  tears  T  nightly  shed 
upon  a  pillow  I  was  destined  to  press  in  freezing  loneliness, — what  hours  of 
solitude  1  passed,  far  froni  the  haunt;;  of  my  fellow-men,  and  forming  plana 
of  vengeance, — it  would  take  much  longer  time  to  relate  than  I  have  actually 
bestowed  on  my  unhappy  history.  To  comprehend  their  extent  and  force 
you  must  understand  the  heart  of  fire  in  which  the  deep  sense  of  injury  had 
taken  root ;  but  the  night  wears  away,  and  briefly  told  must  be  the  remainder 
of  my  tale.  The  rebellion  of  Forty- Five  saw  me  in  arms  in  the  Scottish  ranks; 
and,  in  one  instance,  opposed  to  the  regiment  from  which  I  hail  been  so  igno- 
miniously  expelled.  Never  did  revenge  glow  like  a  living  lire  in  the  heart  of 
a  nuin  as  it  did  in  mine;  for  the  etl'ect  of  my  long  brooding  in  solitudi;  had 
been  to  inspire  me  with  a  detestation,  ;iot  merely  for  those  who  had  been 
most  rancorous  in  their  enmity,  but  for  everything  that  wore  the  uniform, 
from  the  comuiaudiug  oIKcer  down  to  the  meanest  private.  Kvcry  blow  that 
I  dealt,  ever}-  life  that  I  sacriiiced,  was  an  insult  washed  away  from  my  at- 
tainteil  honor ;  but  him  whom  1  most  sought  in  the  nifilt'e  I  never  could 
reiu'h.  At  length  the  corps  to  which  1  had  attached  myself  was  rcinilsetl,  and 
I  saw,  with  rage  in  my  heart,  that  my  enemy  still  lived  to  triumph  in  the 
fruit  of  his  villauy. 

"  Aitliou,s:h  I  was  grown  <'on,-idei'ably  in  stature  at  this  period,  and  was 
otherwise  greatly  altered  in  apiioanuice,  I  had  been  tvcogniscd  in  the  action 
by  luunbers  of  the  reijimcut  :  :'.!'  I.  iudeeil.  more  tb;i;i  once  1  hud,  in  tho  iu- 


20'> 


\\    A  r  O  I    .>  T  A 


r  11  V.    r  K  o 


II  I. 


toxiriiti.m  or  my  iMi;o,  iU'i'oin(>:iuiiil  ilu"  Mnw  liiai  >U'\v  or  ummuMi  oiio  df  my 
fonin'r  ii.->si)i-i;iU'.->  with  a  <li\l!iialioii  ol'ilu'  iiumr  ol'mui  wImi  mlli.-uil  it.  Tlu' 
00UM't)Utnci'  \va>-,  I  was  (U'liotimvtl  as  a  vcltol  ami  an  oulla\>,  ami  a  inin-  was 
put  upon  m_v  ln'ail.  Accustomi'd,  howi'M'i-,  as  I  had  ovrr  li.iu,  lo  ro.ks  and 
fiistm-ssi's,  1  liad  uo  (hllii'\il(y  in  chuliM;;-  Iho  vi^iilam-o  of  lliosc  who  woir  siiu 
in  pursuit  ot'nu'  ;  and  thus  (Muniu'lU'd  to  h\v  wliollv  apart  tVoni  my  sptciis,  I 
at  U'nj;th  loannMl  to  hutr  tlu-m.  and  to  know  tlial  man  is  Uu'  onl\  cui'm)  of 
man  upon  carlh. 

"  A  cluiUfic  now  I'amoovor  tlio  spiiil  of  my  van^icancc  ;  lorjihoiu  lids  iH'viod 
yonv  mothor  died.  Sho  was  tho  only  hi'iiif;  1  liad  omt  looKi-d  upon  with 
fondness  ;  and  di'oply  cviii  as  1  had  heiu  injured  hy  h<'r.  I  wepi  lur  mi  inory 
with  im.uy  a  seahlinsj;  tear.  'I'liis,  htuvever.  only  increased  my  liatretl  lor  hin> 
who  had  rioted  in  lier  l)eauly  and  snpiiiauled  me  in  \wr  devolediiess.  I  had 
the  means  of  learniu};,  oeeasionally,  all  that  passed  m  the  rejiinunt,  and  the 
same  account  that  hron;;ht  ir.e  the  news  ofyotu-  mother's  death,  also  -iave  me 
the  intelligence  that  three  children  had  heeu  the  IVnil  of  her  (uiion  with  De 
llaldimar.  1  heard  moreover,  (an  1  this  pivi-  me  pleasure,)  that  their  I'alhei' 
doated  on  them  ;  and  from  that  nn>nient  1  resolved  to  turn  his  cup  of  joy  into 
bitterness,  even  as  ho  had  turned  mine.  1  no  lonj^er  .sought  his  life  ;  lor  tho 
jealousy  that  had  half  impelled  that  thirst  oxisti'd  no  lou;;er :  hut,  deeming 
his  cold  nat\nv  at  lea.st  aceessihlethrou.uh  his  parental  alleelion.  1  was  lesolved 
that  in  his  children  he  should  suiler  a  portion  of  the  agonies  he  had  iidlieted 
on  me.  1  waited,  however,  until  they  should  he  fjrown  up  lo  an  af;e  wlion 
the  heart  of  the  parent  woidd  he  more  likely  to  mourn  tlieir  loss  ;  and  then  I 
■was  deterniined  my  venjicance  should  he  ci>mplete. 

"  Oircuinstances  sinji\darly  favored  my  desij^ii.  Many  years  afterwards,  the 
rcj;in>ont  formed  one  i>f  the  expeditions  a,uainst  Qnehec  under  (ieneral  Wolfe. 
They  were  \omnianded  hy  your  father,  who,  in  the  cmuse  of  itromolion,  had 
obtained  the  lie\itenant-<i)louelcy  ;  and  I  observed  hy  the  army  list,  (hut  u 
subaltern  of  the  .same  nam",  whom  1  i)resiuned  lo  he  his  eldest  .son.  was  in  tlio 
corjis.  Here  was  a  Held  for  n\y  ven}i;eanee  beyond  any  I  cmild  have  hoped  li)r. 
I  contrived  to  pass  over  into  Cornwall,  the  ban  of  outlawrv  beinj;  still  unre- 
pealed :  and  bavin;:;  procured  from  my  brother  a  sum  sulVicunl  for  my  neces- 
sities, and  bade  him  an  etern.il  farewell,  embarked  in  a  litshiug  boat  for  the 
coast  of  France,  whence  '  suhseijuently  took  a  i)assap>  to  this  country.  At 
Montreal  1  found  tlie  French  general,  who  gladly  ret;eived  my  allif;ifince  as  'v 
subject  of  France,  aviii  gave  nu'  a  commi.ssiou  in  one  of  the  provincial  corjis 
that  n.Mially  sei'ved  in  concert  with  our  Indian  allies.  With  the  general  I  soon 
became  a  favorite ;  and,  as  a  mark  of  his  ronlidence,  at  the  attack  on  (^uebuc, 
he  entrusted  me  witii  the  couunaud  of  a  detached  irregular  force,  cinisisting 
partly  of  (\nadians  and  partly  of  Indians,  intended  to  harrass  Ilu-  Hanks  of 
the  l^ritish  army.  This  gave  me  an  opportunity  of  being  at  \\hal.e\cr  point  of 
the  field  I  might  think  most  favmable  to  my  design  ;  and  I  w«i<  loo  familiui- 
with  the  detested  uniform  of  the  regiment  not  to  be  able  to  flislinguish 
it  from  afar.  In  a  word,  t'lara,  Ibr  I  am  weary  of  my  own  talc,  in  that 
engagement  I  had  an  o|)portuuily  of  recognising  your  limlher.  lie  struck 
me  by  his  martial  appearance  as  h(>  encoui'aged  his  grenadiers  (o  the  attack  of 
the  French  columns  ;  and  us  I  tni'iied  my  eye  upon  him  in  admiration.  I  was 
stung  to  the  soul  by  Ids  resendtlance  to  his  father.  \'engeanci'  Ihrilletl 
throughout  every  tlbre  of  my  frame  al  that  nunnent.  The  opporlunily  I  had 
long  sought  was  at  length  arrived  ;  and  already,  in  anticipation.  I  enjoyed  the 
conquest  his  fall  would  occasion  to  my  t'uemy.  1  rushed  wilhin  a  few  feel  of 
my  victim;  but  the  bidlet  aimefl  at  his  heart  was  received  in  Ihe  breast  (if  u 
faithful  .soldier,  who  had  llown  to  intercept  it.  How  I  cursed  the  meddler  for 
his  olllciousuess !"' 

"Oh,  that  .soldier  was  your  nei»hew."  eagerly  interrui>ted  ( 'lara,  pointing  to- 
wards her  companion,  who  had  fallen  into  a  jirofo.md  slnmbei',  "the  husiianJ 
of  this  unfortunate  wmnan.     Frank  llallowy  (for  by  that  name  was  he  alouo 


% 


\v  A  r  <»  I'  s  r  \ ;    o  ii  ,    t  ii  r.    v  ii  tt  i'  ii  v.  »■  v 


203 


if 


ktidwn  in  (lu-  n"iiiuiii )  loved  m\  lnollicr  ns  ihniijili  lio  liinl  liccn  nl'llu'  siuno 
lilixid.  Ill'  it  \>n>.  who  iK'w  to  n'<'(  i\i'  tlic  liull  lliiil  wii;  tlcstinnl  I'or  nnotluT. 
Hut  I  iiiirst'il  liiMi  on  his  (Miiicli  of  stiU'iM'inji:,  iiiul  widi  iiiv  own  liiimls  intpiinMl 
his  I'ood  iinil  (lri-,M'i|  In-  woiuhI.  Oil,  il'pilv  <Mn  toiK'li  your  Ih'mi'I  (atul  I  \Till 
not.  Iii'lu've  tliiil  N  liciirl  (hill  omc  tVIt  as  uni  Miy  yours  lias  IMt,  can  lie  iiiiu'- 
iTssililc  lo  iill\.)!.  1  till'  rcidllc'i'lioii  of  voiir  in  |ilu'u 's  ili'votriliu>ss  In  ?ny 
niiitlicr's  chiM  ili->:irMi  \ou  o|' m  HLvaiu'i',  iiiiil  iniliicc  yon  to  rcslovc"  iis  !" 

"•Ni'MtI"  thmiilciiil  \\  .Kii'i;  la  "  lU'vcr  !  'I'lii' very  cii'i'iiin^laiirr  ymi  Imvo 
now  iiihiiimI  is  ail  aiMil  lonn!  iini'iilivc  lo  r.iy  vcn;;i'aiii't',  .My  lu'phi'W  .■^avvd  tlu< 
lil'i'ol  \our  liroihi'i  Ml  sln'  hn/.aid  ol' lii>  ow  n  ;  mid  how  ha.-,  lie  Ikmii  rcwanli'd 
lor  the  ■iMii'iiiii;  I. lid  .'  ;;_\  an  i;.:iioiiilliioiis  dcalli.  ililliclcd,  |)i'rliillis,  liir  sonio 
otH'iici'  not  niorr  di.-.lii'iiiiiii ;,'■  than  ll\o.si>  wdiifli  liavo  thrown  nic  an  ontnist 
n|M)ii  lliivM'  wilds;  and  ihai  ai  llu'  coinnmnd  iind  in  Ilir  iin'scncc  of  tlir  t'allu'r 
ol  hiiii  whose  Ijl'r  III'  \\;i;,  t'nol  ciioiiidi  lo  [in'si'ivi'.  \'i't,  w  hill  liiit  ini'.rntitiido 
of  till'  liro.ssr.xi  iiaiiiir  I  oiild  a  Morion  civiii'it  at  the  hands  of  the  iaJM'  latnilv 
of  he  ilaldiiiiar  !  rhr\  wnc  di'sliiird  to  he  oiir  liani',  and  woll  have  they  ftil- 
lilli'd  llii' riid  li'i'  w  liii  Ii  I  lii'_\   wi'i'i' rrcalrd," 

"  Alniij;lily  I'rovidriii'i,  '  asiiirati'd  the  siiikiii;i  t'lara.  as  slii'  tiirni'd  \wr 
Rtrriuniiin  eyes  lo  li'intii ;  '•can  it  lit'  that  Hit'  hiiiniiii  heart  can  inidi'ip)  such 
t'lian,!;i'  /  Can  this  lie  the  liciii;;  wiio  tiiicc  lovtil  my  niotlu'r  with  ii  )iiirily  iiinl 
(t'lidcrncss  ol' alicclion  tliiil  aii^'ls  theiiist'lvt's  im;;iit  liallovv  with  tijiiiroval ;  or 
is  ill!  Hull  I  liiiM'  heard  Inii  a  iicw  iltlerin^;  tlrcain  /" 

••  Nti,  t'lara,"  calmly  and  even  solemnly  rctnrin'd  the  warrior;  "it  is  no 
ilrcuni,  1)111  II  reality  a  .sad,  dreaill'iil,  lieari  rcndiiij;  rciility  ;  yet  il'  i  ani  l.iiiil 
altered  heiiiji,  to  whom  i-.  ihe  chaiij;i'  to  lie  iiscrihcd  7  Who  turned  tlr-  -^rnv- 
rous  cnrreiil  ol'  m\  Mood  into  a  river  of  overllowinj;  pill? — N'oiir  I'litiier  ! 
Hut  these  are  idle  words.  \\  hiil  I  hiive  lieeii,  you  Know;  wimt  I  now  am,  iinti 
thrt)n!;li  wliiit  agency  I  have  heeii  reiitlered  w  hut  I  mil,  ytm  know  al.so.  Not 
more  li.M'il  is  tin e  than  my  |iur|io.M'.  Voiir  hrother  ilies  tnt'ii  on  the  s|iol  on 
which  my  nephew  tlieil ;  and  yon,  t'liirii,  sliall  lie  iny  hvide;  uml  tiie  llrst 
(liiiiH-  voiir  children  shall  lie  laiijilit  to  lisp  ,shull  he  eiir.ses  on  the  vile  iiiiine  of 
l)e  liidtlimar!" 

'■Once  more,  in  the  name  of  my  stiintcil  mother,  I  implore  yon  to  Imvo 
mercy," shrieked  the  unhappy  t'lara.  "Oli!"  slieconlinneil  with  vehement siip- 
plieiition,  •■  let.  the  days  of  your  early  love  he  liroii^ht  hiiek  to  your  ii'.einory, 
tliiit  y Diir  heiirt  may  he  sol'leiietl ;  aiiii  rut  yoiirseH'  not  wholly  oil"  iVom  yowr 
(Joil,  hy  (he  commission  of  such  ilreaill'iil  oiitra;;es.  Aniiiii,  I  conjure  yon,  I'O- 
.slort!  us  lo  my  father." 

••Never!"  sava'.'cly  repented  Waeousla;  •'I  have  passed  years  of  I  iirtiiro  in 
the  hope  of  such  an  hour  as  lliis;  and  now  that  fruition  is  within  my  ^ntsp, 
niii_\  I  peri.sh  if  I  I'orem.  ii  !  Ha,  .sir!"  lurniii);-  I'loin  the  almost  fuintinn'  Cliirii 
to  Sir  Kverard,  who  had  lisleiied  willi  ileep  attention  to  the  history  of  this^'^- 
Iraorilinary  man,-  for  this,"  ami  he  llirnst  aside  the  lireiist  of  his  hnntiiiK 
rout,  exliihinj;'  the  scar  o{\  a  Ioiil;'  hut  siipertlcial  woiiiul,  -for  this  ilo  yon  owe 
me  II  severe  recKouiiii;.  1  would  recoiiimeiid  you,  however," — iind  he  spoke  in 
mockery.-  •when  ii!\!  mhi  ijnveii  weapon  iiilo  Ihe  chest  of  an  nnrcsisiinji; 
enemy,  l«  ly  more  ci  riain  of  \oiir  aim  Mad  tliiil  liifii  as  (rue  as  the  lilow 
from  the  Inili  of  your  lilie,  I  slmuld  not  have  livcil  lo  Iriiimph  in  this  hour.  I 
little  ileemed."  he  piiisiicd.  .^lill  adilressinn  Ihe  nearly  heart -lu'oken  olVicer  in 
the  same  iiisoli  lit  strain,  '  that  my  uilri^;iie  with  that  tiark  I'ycd  iIiiii,u,lUer  of 
Hie  old  t'anadiaii  would  liaM'  heeii  (he  means  of  throwing  your  coni|iiuiioii  so 
speedily  into  my  power,  .ifler  Ins  jirst  narrow  e.seape.  Voiir  ili.s^;iiise  wiis  well 
manap'd,  I  confess;  and  liiil  Hint  there  is  an  iiislinct  iilioiit  me,  enahlinp;  tim 
to  liiscover  ii  Me  Ilaldiiiiar,  as  a  hound  tloes  Ihe  tieer,  hy  ,sci'nt,  you  nii);lit 
Imve  succeeded  in  passiiiL;  for  what  yon  appeared.  '•  lint''  (iiiid  his  tont^  Miul- 
(lenly  chaiiKcd  ils  irony  I'm  ru'recness)  "  lo  the  point,  sir.  Tlmt  yon  are  tho 
lover  of  this  j;irl  I  cle.nly  pen  eive,  and  death  were  preleriihle  to  a  life  eiiihit- 
tcrcd  l>y  Hie  ii'colleeijuii  thill  she  w  liiuu  we  love  reposes  in  the  arms  of  unothor. 


ao4 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy 


No  such  kindness  is  meant  you,  however.  To-uiorrow  yon  shall  return  to  the 
fort ;  and,  when  there,  you  may  tell  your  colonel,  that  in  exchange  for  a  cer- 
tain miniature  and  letters,  which  in  the  hurry  of  departure,  1  dropped  in  his 
apartment,  some  ten  days  since,  Sir  lleginald  Morton,  the  outlaw,  has  taken 
his  daughter  Clara  tc  wife,  but  without  the  fiolemniKotion  of  those  tedious 
forms  that  bound  himself  in  accursed  union  with  her  mother.  Oh !  what 
would  I  not  give,"  he  continued  bitterly,  "  to  witness  the  pan<^  inllictod  on  his 
false  heart,  when  first  the  damning  truth  arrests  h!.s  ear.  Never  did  I  know 
the  triumph  of  my  power  until  now;  for  what  revenge  can  he  half  so  sweet 
as  that  which  attains  a  loathed  enemy  through  the  dishonor  of  his  child? 
But,  hark !  what  mean  those  sounds  ?" 

A  loud  yelling  was  now  heard  at  some  distance  in  rear  of  the  tent.  I're- 
sently  the  bounding  of  many  feet  on  the  turf  was  distinguishable ;  and  then, 
at  intervals,  the  peculiar  cry  that  announces  the  escape  of  a  prisoru  v.  Wa- 
cousta  started  to  his  feet,  and  fiercely  grasping  his  tomahawk,  ailvanccd  to 
the  front  of  the  tent,  where  he  seemed  to  listen  for  a  moment  attentively,  as 
if  endeavoring  to  catch  the  direction  of  the  pursuit. 

"  Ha  !  by  heaven!"  he  exclaimed,  "  there  nuist  be  treachery  in  this,  or  yon 
slippery  captain  would  not  so  soon  be  at  his  flight  again,  bound  as  I  had  bound 
him."  Then  uttering  a  deafening  yell,  and  rushing  past  .Sir  Everard.  near 
whom  he  paused  an  instant,  as  if  undecided  whether  he  should  not  first  dis- 
pose of  him,  as  a  precautionary  measure,  he  flew  with  the  speed  of  an  antelope 
iu  the  direction  in  which  he  was  guided  by  the  gradually  receding  soun<ls. 

"  The  knife.  Miss  do  Haldimar,"  exclaimed  Sir  iiverard,  aftei-  a  few  mo- 
ments of  breathless  and  intense  anxiety.  ''  Sec,  there  is  one  m  the  belt  that 
Ellen  Ilalloway  has  girt  around  her  loms.  Quick,  for  heaven's  salcc,  quick ; 
our  only  chance  is  in  this." 

With  an  activity  arising  from  despair,  the  unhappy  Clara  sprang  from  the 
rude  couch  on  which  she  had  been  left  by  Wacousta,  and  stooping  over  the 
form  of  the  maniac,  extended  her  hand  to  remove  the  weapon  from  her  side  j 
but  Ellen,  who  had  been  awakened  from  her  long  slumber  by  the  yells  just 
uttered,  seemed  resolute  to  prevent  it.  A  struggle  for  its  possession  now  en- 
sued between  these  frail  and  delicate  beings  ;  in  which  Clara,  however,  had  the 
advanti^e,  not  only  from  the  recumbent  position  of  her  opponent,  but  from 
the  greater  security  of  her  grasp.  At  length,  with  a  violent  eirort.  she  con- 
trived to  disengage  it  from  the  sheath,  around  which  Ellen  had  closely  clasped 
both  her  hands ;  but,  with  the  quickness  of  thought,  the  latter  were  again 
clenched  round  the  naked  blade,  and  without  any  other  evident  motive  than 
what  originated  in  the  obstinacy  of  her  madness,  the  unfortunate  woman 
fiercely  attempted  to  wrest  it  way.  In  the  act  of  doing  so,  her  hands  were 
dreadmlly  cut ;  and  Clara,  shocked  at  the  sight  of  the  blood  she  had  been  the 
means  of  shedding,  lost  all  the  energj'^  she  had  summoned,  and  sunk  senseless 
at  the  feet  of  maniac,  who  now  began  to  utter  the  most  piteous  ciies. 

"  Oh,  God,  we  are  lost,"  exclaimed  Sir  Everard  ;  "  the  voice  of  that  wretch- 
ed woman  has  alarmed  otir  enemy,  and  even  now  I  hear  him  approaching. 
Quick,  Clara,  give  me  the  knife.     But  no,  it  is  now  too  late  ;  he  is  here." 

At  that  instant,  the  dark  form  of  a  warrior  rushed  noiselessly  to  the  sjwt  on 
which  he  stood.  The  officer  turricd  his  eyes  in  desperation  on  his  enemy,  but 
a  single  glance  was  sufficient  to  assure  him  it  was  not  AVacousta.  The  In- 
dian paused  not  in  his  course,  but  passing  close  round  the  tree  to  which  the. 
baronet  was  attached,  made  a  circular  movement,  that  brought  him  in  a  line 
with  the  direction  that  had  been  taken  by  his  enemy  ;  and  again  they  were 
left  alone. 

A  new  fear  now  oppressed  the  heart  of  the  unfortunate  Valletort,  even  to 

agony :  Clara  still  lay  senseless,  speechless  before  him  ;  and  his  impression 

was,  that,  in  the  struggle,  Ellen  Ilalloway  had  murdered  her.     The  latter  yet 

continued  her  cries ;  and,  as  she  held  up  her  hands,  he  could  see  by  the  fire- 

i  light  they  were  covered  with  blood.     An  instinctive  impulse  caused  him  to 


\ 


wacovsta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


205 


\ 


bound  forward  to  tho  assistance  ot  ihe  motionless  Clara ;  when,  to  his  infinite 
surprise  and  joy,  he  discovered  the  cord,  which  had  bound  him  to  the  tree,  to 
be  severed.  The  Indian  who  had  just  passed  had  evidently  been  his  deliverer; 
and  a  sudden  flash  of  recollection  recalled  the  flgure  of  the  warrior  that  had 
escaped  from  the  schooner  and  was  supposed  to  have  leaped  into  the  conoe  of 
Oucantista  tit  the  moment  when  Madeline  de  Haldimar  was  removed  into  that 
of  thu  Canadian. 

In  a  transport  of  conflicting  feelings,  Sir  Everard  now  raised  the  insensible 
Clara  from  tho  ground ;  and,  having  satisfied  himsilf  she  had  sustained  no 
serious  injury,  prepared  for  a  flight  which  he  felt  to  be  desperate,  if  not  alto- 
gether hopeless.  There  was  not  iv  moment  to  be  lost,  for  the  cries  of  the 
wretched  Ellen  increased  in  violence,  as  she  seemed  sensible  she  was  about 
to  be  left  utterly  alone  ;  and  ever  and  anon,  although  afar  off,  yet  evidently 
drawing  nearer,  was  to  be  heard  the  fierce  denouncing  yell  of  Wacousta. 
The  spot  on  which  the  officer  stood,  was  not  far  from  that  whence  his  unfor- 
tunate friend  had  commenced  his  flight  on  the  first  memorable  occasion ;  and 
as  the  moon  shone  brightly  in  the  cloudless  heavens,  there  could  be  no  mis- 
take in  tho  course  he  was  to  pui^ue.  Dashing  down  the  steep,  therefore, 
with  all  the  speed  his  beloved  burden  would  enable  him  to  attain,  he  made 
immediately  for  the  bridge  over  which  his  only  chance  of  safety  lay. 

It  unfortunately  happened,  however,  that,  induced  either  by  the  malice  of 
her  insanity,  or  really  terrified  at  the  loneliness  jf  hei  position,  the  wretched 
Ellen  Halloway  had  likewise  quitted  the  tent,  and  now  followed  close  in  the 
rear  of  the  fugitives,  still  uttering  the  same  piercing  cries  of  anguish.  The 
voice  of  Wacousta  was  also  again  heard  in  tho  distance  ;  and  Sir  Everard  had 
the  inexpressible  horror  to  find  that,  guided  by  the  shrieks  of  the  maniac 
woman,  he  was  now  shaping  his  course,  not  to  the  tent  where  he  had  left  his 
prisoners,  but  in  an  oblique  direction  towards  the  bridge,  where  he  evidently- 
hoped  to  intercLpt  them.  Aware  of  the  extreme  disadvantage  under  which 
he  labored  in  a,  competition  of  speed  with  his  active  enemy,  the  unhappy  offi- 
cer would  have  here  terminated  tho  struggle,  had  he  not  been  partially  sus- 
tained by  the  hope  that  the  detachment  prayed  for  by  De  Haldimar,  through 
the  friendly  young  chief,  to  whom  he  owed"  his  own  liberation,  might  be  about 
this  time  on  its  way  to  attempt  their  rescue.  This  thought  supported  his  fal- 
tering resolution,  altliou;;h  nearl)'  exhausted  with  his  efforts — compelled,  as 
he  Wiis,  to  sustain  the  motionless  form  of  the  slowly  reviving  Clara ;  and  he 
again  braced  himself  to  the  unequal  flight.  The  moon  still  shone  beautifully 
bright,  and  he  could  now  distinctly  sec  the  bridge  over  which  ho  was  to  pass ; 
but  notwithstanding  he  strained  his  eyes  as  he  advanced,  no  vestige  of  a 
British  uniform  was  to  be  seen  in  the  open  space  that  lay  beyond.  Once  he 
turned  to  regard  his  pursuers.  Ellen  was  a  few  yards  only  in  his  rear ;  and 
considerably  beyond  her  rose,  in  tall  relief  against  the  heavens,  the  gigantic 
form  of  the  warrior.  Tiie  pursuit  of  the  latter  was  now  conducted  with  a 
silence  that  terrified  even  more  than  the  yells  he  had  previously  uttered ;  and 
he  gained  so  rapidly  on  his  victims,  that  the  tread  of  his  large  feet  was  now 
distinctly  audible.  Again  tho  officer,  with  despair  in  his  heart,  made  the 
most  incredible  exertions  to  reach  the  bridge,  without  seeming  to  reflect  that, 
even  when  there,  no  security  was  offered  him  against  his  enemy.  Once,  as  he 
drew  nearer,  ho  fancied  he  saw  the  dark  heads  of  human  beings  peering  from 
under  tho  part  of  tho  arch  which  had  afforded  cover  to  De  Haldimar  and  him- 
self on  tho  n\ernoral)lc  occasion  of  their  departure  with  the  Canadian ;  and, 
convinced  that  tho  warriors  of  AVacousta.  h.^d  been  sent  there  to  lie  in  ambus- 
cade and  intercept  his  retreat,  his  hopes  wore  utterly  paralysed ;  and  although 
he  stooped  not,  his  flight  was  rather  mechanical  than  the  fruit  of  any  .syste- 
matic plan  of  escape. 

He  had  now  g.iined  the  extremity  of  tho  bridge,  with  Ellen  Halloway  and 
Wacousta  close  in  his  rear,  whon  suddenly  tlie  heads  of  many  men  were  once 
more  distingui.sliiiblo.  oven  in  the  shadow  of  the  arch  that  overhung  the  sands 


900 


W  A  C  O  II  R  T  A  ;      OR,     THE      1'  K  0  I'  M  E  C  Y 


of  the  river.  Thrco  individuals  ili'fnrhcd  ttu'iiisclvcs  from  tlio  ^roii|),  and  lenp- 
inp;  upon  the  further  extremity  of  tlie  bridge,  moved  nipidly  to  nuft  liini. 
Meanwliile  the  baronet  had  stopped  suddenly,  iih  if  in  doubt  whotlier  to  ad- 
vanee  or  ivce<le.  His  susjtcnKe  was  l)ut  momentary.  Althoujrh  th(*  persons 
of  these  men  were  dispuisod  as  Indian  waniors.  the  broad  nioonlijrht  that 
beamed  full  o»i  their  eountenances  disclosed  the  well-i-emombered  features  of 
Blessington,  Krskine.  and  Charles  de  llaldimar.  The  latter  spranp  before  his 
eomjmnions.  and,  uttoriufc  a  cry  of  joy,  sunk  in  speechless  ajrony  on  the  neck 
of  his  still  uneonscious  sister. 

"  For  tJod's  sake,  free  me,  De  Haldimar  !"  exclaimed  the  excited  baronet, 
di.scnua^injr  his  charjre  fi-om  the  embrace  of  his  friend.  "  This  is  no  moment 
for  <;ratulation.  Krskine,  Blessinj^ton,  see  you  not  who  i.s  behind  me  ?  Ho 
upon  your  guard  ;  defend  your  lives  !"  And  as  lie  spoke,  he  rushed  forward 
with  faint  and  tottcriup;  stops  to  place  his  companions  between  the  imhappy 
(;irl  and  the  danjjer  that  threatened  her. 

The  swords  ol'  the  otticers  were  drawn  ;  but  instead  of  advancinpr  upon  the 
formidable  beinj;,  who  stood  as  if  paralysed  at  this  unexpected  rencontre,  the 
two  seniors  contented  themselves  with  assiiminp  a  defensive  attitude, — retir- 
ing slowly  and  padually  towards  the  other  extremity  of  the  bridfre. 

Overcome  by  his  emotion.  Charles  de  llaldimar  had  not  notice<l  this  action 
of  his  companions,  and  stood  apparently  riveted  to  the  spot.  The  voice  of  • 
Hlcssin<;ton  calling  on  him  by  name  to  retire,  seemed  to  arouse  the  dormant 
consciousness  of  the  unhappy  maniac.  She  uttered  a  piercin;^  .shriek,  and 
sprinjiiuji  forward,  sank  on  her  knees  at  his  feet,  oxclaiininjr,  as  she  forcibly 
detained  him  by  his  dress — 

"  Ahniphty  Heaven!  where  am  I?  surely  that  was  Captain  Blessinptou's 
kind  voice  I  heard  ;  and  you — }0u  are  Charles  de  Haldimar.     Oh  !  save  jny 

husband  ;  plead  for  him  with  yoiir  father ! but  no,"  she  continued  wildly, 

— •'  ho  is  (load — he  is  nmrdercd !     IJehold  these  hands  all  covered  with  his 
blood! " 

"  Ha  !  another  Do  Haldimar  !"  exclaimed  Wacousta,  recovering  his  slum- 
berin-j;  energies,  "  this  spot  seems  indeed  fated  for  our  meetmg.  More  than 
thrice  have  I  been  baulked  of  my  just  revenge,  but  now  will  I  secure  it. 
Thus,  Ellen,  do  I  avenge  your  husband's  and  my  nephew's  death.  My  own 
wTongs  demand  another  sacrifice.  But,  ha !  where  is  she  ?  where  is  C^lara  ? 
where  is  my  bride  ?" 

Bounding  over  the  ill-fated  De  Haldimar.  who  lay,  even  in  death,  firmly 
claspefl  in  the  embrace  of  the  wretched  Ellen,  the  fierce  man  dashed  furiously 
forward  to  renew  his  pursuit  of  the  fugitives.  But  suddenly  the  extremity 
of  the  bridge  was  filled  with  a  column  of  armed  men,  that  kept  issuing  from 
the  arch  beneath.  Sensible  of  his  danger,  ho  sought  to  make  good  his  re- 
treat ;  but  when  he  turned  for  the  purpose,  the  same  formidable  array  met 
his  view  at  the  opposite  extremity ;  and  both  parties  now  rapidly  advanced  in 
double  quick  time,  evidently  with  a  view  of  closing  upon  and  taking  him  pri- 
soner. In  this  delemma,  his  only  hope  was  in  the  assistance  that  might  be 
rendered  him  by  his  warriors.  A  yell,  so  terrific  as  to  be  distinctly  heard  in 
the  fort  itself,  burst  from  his  vast  chest,  and  rolled  in  prolonged  echoes 
through  the  forest.  11  was  faintly  answered  from  the  encampment,  and  met 
by  deep  but  noiseless  curses  from  the  exasperated  soldiery,  whom  the  sight  of 
their  murdered  officer  was  momentarily  working  into  frenzy. 

'■'  Kill  him  not,  for  your  lives ! — I  command  you,  men,  kill  him  not !"  mut- 
tered Captain  Blessington  with  suppressed  passion,  as  his  troops  wgre  prepar- 
ing to  immolate  him  on  their  clustering  bayonets.  "  Such  a  death  were,  in- 
deed, mercy  to  such  a  villain." 

"  Ha  !  ha !"  laughed  Wacousta  in  better  scorn  ;  "  who  is  there  of  all  your 
accursed  regiment  who  will  dare  to  take  him  alive?"  Then  l)randishing  his 
tomaliav.k  around  hiiu,  to  prevent  their  finally  closing,  he  dealt  his  blows 
with  sucii  aftonii;liing  velocity,  that  no  unguarded  point  was  left  about  his  per- 


W  A  C  O  U  S  T  A 


0  U 


THE     P  R  O  1>  H  E  C  Y 


30? 


Bon  ;  imd  mort'  than  one  soldier  was  l)rouf;ht  to  the  earth  in  the  conrsc  of  the 
nnPiiui:!  stnifjjrle. 

"  Ky  (J — <l !"  said  ('aptain  Erskine.  "  are  the  two  best  companies  of  the  re- 
giment to  be  iii'pt  at  bay  by  a  sinijle  desperado?  Shame  on  ye,  fellowH  !  If 
hi«  hand.s  are  too  nmny  for  you,  hiy  him  by  the  heels," 

This  ruse  was  practised  with  success.  In  ntteni[)tinf?  to  defend  himself  from 
the  attack  of  those  who  sought  to  throw  him  down,  the  warrior  necessarily  left 
his  upper  [lerson  exposed  ;  when  advantage  was  taken  to  close  with  him  and 
deprive  him  of  the  play  of  his  arms.  Tt  was  not,  however,  without  consider- 
able  didlctilty,  that  they  succeeded  in  disarming  and  binding  hia  hands ;  after 
which  a  strong  cord  bemg  fastened  round  his  waist,  he  was  tightly  laslied  to  a 
gim,  which,  contrary  to  the  original  intention  of  the  governor,  had  been  sent 
out  with  the  expedition.  The  retreat  of  the  detachment  then  commerced  ra- 
pidly ;  but  it  was  not  without  being  holly  pursued  by  the  band  of  w  iior.s 
the  yell  of  Wac'ousta  had  summoned  in  pursuit,  that  they  finally  gained  the 
fort ;  under  wliat  fiielings  of  sorrow  for  the  fate  of  an  officer  so  beloved,  we 
leave  it  to  our  readers  to  imagine. 


CHAPTER  XXXIII. 


TT 


The  morning  of  the  next  day  dawned  on  few  wlio  had  pressed  their  custo- 
mary couches — on  none,  whose  feverish  pulse  and  bloodshot  eye  failctl  to 
attest  the  utter  sleeplessness  in  which  the  night  had  been  passed.  Numerous 
groups  of  men  were  to  be  seen  assembling  after  the  reveille,  in  various  parts 
of  the  barrack  square — those  who  had  borne  a  part  in  the  recent  expedition 
commingling  with  tliose  who  had  not,  and  recoimting  to  tlie  latter,  with 
mournful  look  and  voice,  the  circumstances  connected  with  the  bereavement 
of  their  universally  lamented  officer.  As  none,  however,  luul  seen  the  blow 
struck  that  deprived  him  of  life,  although  each  had  heard  the  frantic  exclama- 
tions of  a  voice  that  had  been  recognised  for  Ellen  Ilalloway's,  much  of  the 
irtarvellous  was  necessarily  mixed  up  with  truth  in  their  narrative, — some 
positively  affirming  Air.  de  Ilaldimar  had  not  once  quitted  liis  party,  and  de- 
claring that  nothing  short  of  a  supernatural  agency  could  have  transported 
him  unnoticed  to  the  fatal  spot,  where,  in  their  advance,  they  had  beheld  him 
murdered.  The  singular  appearance  of  Ellen  Halloway  also,  at  that  moment, 
on  the  very  bridge  on  which  she  liad  pronounced  her  curse  on  the  faiiiily  of 
I)e  Ilaldimar,  and  in  company  with  the  terrible  and  mysterious  being  who 
had  borne  her  oft"  in  triumi)h  on  that  occasion  to  th"  foi'cst,  and  under  cir- 
cumstances calculated  to  excite  the  most  superstitious  impression.s,  was  not 
without  its  weight  in  determining  their  rude  speculations ;  and  all  concurred 
in  opinion,  that  the  death  of  the  unfortunate  young  officer  was  a  judgment  on 
their  colonel  for  the  little  mercy  he  had  extended  to  the  noble-hearted  Hal- 
loway. 

Then  followed  allusion  to  their  captive,  whose  gigantic  stature  and  efforts 
at  escape,  tremendous  even  as  the  latter  were,  were  duly  exaggerated  by  each, 
with  the  very  laudable  view  of  claiming  a  proportionate  shai'e  of  credit  for 
his  own  individual  exertions ;  and  many  and  various  were  the  opinions  ex- 
pressed as  to  the  manner  of  death  he  should  be  made  to  suffer.  Among  the 
most  conspicuous  of  the  orators  were  those  with  whom  our  readers  have  al- 
ready made  slight  acquaintance  in  our  account  of  the  sortie  by  Captain  Ers- 
kino's  company  for  the  recoverj^  of  the  supposed  body  of  Frederick  de  Ilaldimar. 
One  was  for  impaling  him  alive,  and  setting  him  up  to  rot  on  the  platform 
above  the  gate.  Another  for  blowing  him  from  the  muzzle  of  a  twenty-four 
pounder,  into  the  centre  of  the  first  band  of  Indians  that  approached  the 
fort,  that  thus  perceiving  they  had  lost  the  strength  and  sinew  of  their  cun- 


'208 


WAcuuaTA;    or,   the    prophecy 


ning  war,  they  miRht  bo  tho  more  casilv  iiulucod  to  projwso  tt'rms  of  ])caoe. 
A  third  was  of  opinion  he  oiitrht  to  he  chained  to  tho  top  of  the  fiiig-staH',  as 
a  target,  to  bo  shot  at  witli  arrows  only,  contrivinj?  never  to  touch  a  mortal 
part.  A  foiirtli  would  have  had  him  tied  naked  over  the  sharp  spikes  tliat 
con-l'tuted  the  chevaux-de-frizo  gurnishini^  the  sides  of  llie  drawbridge. 
Each  devised  some  new  death — proposed  some  new  torture  ;  but  all  were  of 
opinion,  that  simply  to  be  shot,  or  even  to  be  hunped,  was  too  n\erciful  a  {)un- 
ishment  fur  the  wreUh  who  had  so  wantonly  and  inhumanly  butchered  the 
kind-hciirledj  gcntle-niatmercd  oiriccr,  whom  they  had  almost  all  known  and 
loved  fioiu  his  very  boyhood  ;  and  they  looked  forward,  with  minified  anxiety 
and  venpoanne,  to  the  moment  when,  summoned  as  it  was  expected  he  shortly 
would  be,  before  the  assscnibled  garrison,  he  would  be  made  to  expiate  tho 
atrocity  with  his  blood. 

Wliilo  the  men  thus  gave  indulgence  to  their  indignation  and  their  grief, 
their  oflicers  were  even  more  painfully  aiiccted.  The  body  of  the  ill-fated 
Charles  had  been  borne  to  his  apartment,  where,  divested  of  its  disguise,  it 
had  again  been  intlucted  in  such  apparel  as  was  deemed  suitetl  to  the  purpose. 
Extended  on  the  very  bed  on  which  he  lay  at  the  moment  when  she,  whose 
maniac  raving,  and  forcible  detention,  had  been  the  immediate  cause  of  hia 
destruction,  had  preferred  her  wild  but  fruitless  supplication  for  mercy,  ho 
exhibited,  even  in  death,  the  same  delicate  beauty  that  had  characterised  him 
on  tliiit  occasion  ;  yet,  with  a  mildness  and  serenity  of  expression  on  his  still, 
pale  features,  strongly  in  contrast  with  tho  agitation  and  glow  of  excitement 
that  then  distinguished  him. 

Around  the  bed  were  grouped  nearly  all  the  oflicers,  standing  in  attitudes 
indicative  of  anxiety  and  interest,  and  gazing  mournfully  on  the  placid  fea- 
tures of  their  ill-fated  friend.  All,  on  entering,  moved  noiselessly  over  tho 
rude  floor,  as  though  fearful  of  disturbing  the  repose  of  one  who  merely  slum- 
bered ;  and  the  same  precaution  was  extended  to  tho  brief  but  heart-felt 
expressions  of  soriow  tliat  passed  from  one  to  the  other,  as  they  gazed  on  all 
that  remained  of  the  gentle  l)e  Ilaldimar. 

tJradually  tho  olKcers  moved  away  in  the  same  noiseless  manner  they  had 
apjiroached,  either  in  pursuance  of  their  several  duties,  or  to  make  their  toilet 
of  the  morning.  Two  only  of  their  number  remaining  near  tho  couch  of 
death. 

"  Poor  unfoi'tunatc  I)e  Haldimar  !"  observed  one  of  these,  in  a  low  tone,  as 
if  speaking  to  himself;  "too  fatally,  indeed,  have  your  forebodings  been  real- 
ized ;  and  what  I  considered  as  the  mere  despondency  of  a  mind  crushed  into 
feebleness  by  an  accumulution  of  suffering,  was,  after  all,  but  tho  first  presen- 
timent of  a  death  no  human  power  might  avert.  By  heaven  !  I  would  give 
up  half  my  own  being  to  be  able  to  reanimate  that  form  once  more — but  the 
wi.sh  is  vain." 

"  Who  shall  announce  the  intelligence  to  his  sister  ?"  sighed  his  companion. 
"  Never  will  that  already  nearly  heart-broken  girl  bo  able  to  survive  the  shock 
of  her  brother's  death.  Blessington,  you  are  alone  fitted  to  such  a  task  ;  and, 
painful  as  it  is,  you  must  undertake  it.  Is  the  colonel  apprised  of  the  dread- 
ful truth,  do  you  know  ?" 

"  He  is.  it  was  told  him  at  the  moment  of  our  arrival  last  night ;  but 
from  the  little  outward  emotion  displayed  by  him,  I  shou'r^  bo  tempted  to 
infer  he  had  almost  anticipated  some  such  catastrophe." 

'•  Poor,  poor  (^'harles !"  bitterly  exclaimed  Sir  Everard  Valletort — for  it  was 
he.  "  What  would  I  not  give  to  rocid  the  rude  manner  in  which  1  spurned 
you  from  me  last  night.  15ut.  alas  1  what  could  I  do,  laden  with  such  a  tiust, 
and  pursued,  without  the  power  of  defence,  by  such  an  enemy  ?  Little,  in- 
deed, did  I  imagine  what  was  so  speedily  to  be  your  doom !  Ijlcssington,"  he 
pursued,  with  increased  emotion, '"  it  grieves  me  to  wretchedness  to  think  that 
he,  whom  I  loved  as  though  he  had  been  my  twin  brother,  should  have  per- 


waooubta;  or,  the  prophboy. 


909 


ishud  with  his  last  thouf^hts,  porhapn,  iinxering  on  the  seeming  unkindnens 
with  wliicli  1  had  gructud  him  ufter  mu  anxiouM  an  absence." 

"  Nay,  if  there  be  blamo,  it  must  attacli  to  me."  sorrowfully  obscrrod  Cap- 
tain Blessiiigton.  '*  Had  Krskiiio  and  myself  not  rotireil  before  the  savage,  as 
wo  did,  our  unfortunate  friend  would  in  nil  pAbtbility  have  been  alive  ut  this 
very  hour.  Hut  in  our  anxiety  to  draw  the  fonnor  into  the  ambuscade  we 
had  prepared  for  liim,  we  utterly  ovei-looked  that  Charles  was  not  retreating 
with  us." 

"  How  happened  it,"  demanded  8ir  Evcrard,  his  attention  naturally  directed 
to  the  subjc(;t  by  the  preceding  remarks,  "  that  you  lay  thus  in  ambuscade, 
when  the  object  of  the  expiidition,  us  solicited  by  Frederick  de  Haldimar,  was 
an  attempt  to  reach  us  in  the  encampment  of  the  Indians  ?" 

"  It  certainly  was  undef  that  impression  wc  left  the  fort ;  but  on  coming  to 
the  spot  where  the  friendly  Indian  lay  waiting  to  conduct  us,  ho  proposed  the 
plan  wo  subsequently  adopted  as  the  most  likely,  fiot  only  to  secure  the  es- 
capo  of  the  prisoners,  whom  he  pledged  himself  to  liberate,  .but  to  defend  our- 
selves with  udvauta<;e  against  Wacousta  and  the  immediate  guard  set  over 
thein,  should  they  follow  in  pursuit.  Krskine  approving,  as  well  as  myself, 
of  the  plan,  we  halted  at  the  bridge,  and  disposed  of  our  men  under  each  ex- 
tremity ;  so  that  if  attacked  by  tlic  Indians  in  front,  we  might  be  enabled  to 
throw  them  into  confusion  by  taking  them  in  rear,  as  they  flung  themselves 
upon  the  bridge.  The  event  seemed  to  answer  our  expectations.  The  alarm 
raised  in  the  encampment  satisfied  us  the  young  Indian  had  contrived  to  fulfil 
liis  promise ;  and  wo  momentarily  looke<l  for  the  appearance  of  those  whose 
flight  wo  naturally  supposed  would  be  dirivted  towards  the  bridge.  To  our 
great  surprise,  however,  we  remarked  that  the  sounds  of  pursuit,  instead  of 
approaching  us,  seemed  to  take  an  opposite  direction,  apparently  towards  the 
point  whence  we  had  seen  the  prisoners  disembarked  in  the  morning.  At 
length,  when  almost  tempted  to  regret  we  had  not  pushed  boldly  on,  in  con- 
formity with  om*  first  intention,  wo  heard  the  shrill  cries  of  a  woman j  and 
long  afterwards,  the  sounds  of  human  feet  rushing  down  the  slope.  What 
our  sensations  were,  you  may  imagine ;  for  we  all  believed  it  to  be  either 
Clara  or  Madeline  de  Haldimar  fleeing  alone,  and  pursued  by  our  ferocious  ' 
enemies.  To  show  ourselves  would,  we  were  sensible,  be  to  ensure  the  death 
of  the  pursued,  before  we  could  possibly  come  up ;  and  although  it  was  with 
difiSculty  we  repressed  the  desire  to  rush  forward  to  the  rescue,  our  better 
judgment  prevailed.  Finally  we  saw  you  approach,  followed  closely  by  what 
appeared  to  be  a  mere  boy  of  an  Indian,  and  at  a  considerable  distance,  by 
the  tall  warrior  of  the  Fleiu-  de  Lis.  We  imagined  there  was  time  enough 
for  you  to  gain  the  bridge ;  and  finding  your  more  formidable  pursuer  was 
only  accompanied  by  the  youth  already  alluded  to,  conceived  at  that  moment 
the  design  of  making  liim  om*  prisoner.  Still  there  were  half  a  dozen  mus- 
kets ready  to  be  levelled  on'him  should  lie  approach  too  near  to  his  fugitives, 
or  manifest  any  other  design  than  that  of  simply,  re-capturing  them.  How 
well  our  plan  succeeded  you  arc  aM'arc ;  but,  alas  1"  and  he  glanced  sorrow- 
fully at  the  corpse,  "  why  was  our  success  to  be  embittered  by  so  great  a  sac- 
rifice?" 

"  Ah,  would  to  heaven  that  he  at  least  had  been  spared,"  sighed  Sir  Eve- 
rard,  as  he  took  the  wan  white  hand  of  of  his  friend  in  his  own  ;  "  and  yet  I 
know  not ;  he  looks  so  calm,  so  hap]>y  in  death,  it  is  almost  selfish  to  repine 
he  has  escaped  the  horrors  that  still  await  us  in  this  dreadful  warfare.  But 
what  of  Frederick  and  Madeline  de  Haldimar  ?  From  the  statement  you  have 
given,  they  must  have  been  liberated  by  the  young  Ottawa  before  he  came  to 
me ;  yet,  what  could  have  induced  them  to  have  taken  a  course  of  flight  so 
opposite  to  that  which  promised  their  only  chance  of  safety  ?" 

"  Heaven  only  knows,"  returned  Captain  Blessington.  "  I  fear  they  h»Te 
■gain  been  re-captured  bv  the  savages;  in  which  case  their  doom  is  scarcely 

14 


SIO 


waoouita;    0k,   the   pkophbuv. 


«U«btftit ;  unlciB,  indeed,  our  primnur  or  lut  night  ho  ^iven  up  in  «xoh«nge 
for  them." 

"  Then  will  their  liberty  b<>  purchawd  mi  n  tierrihlc  price,"  reiui^rkod  the 
baronet.  ''  Will  you  bclievo.  Klcfwington,  that  that  inun,  whom*  cnntitj  to 
our  colom;!  ;«ociaH  alinoHt  <ieviliRh,  wan  uiux*  an  utticur  in  thiH  very  ri-Kiment  ?" 

"  You  aatoniHh  nto.  Vall^tort.  luipossiblo  t  and  yot  it  haM  alwayH  been  ap- 
parent to  mu  tbcy  were  once  aHNociatet*." 

"  I  heard  hint  n^latu  IiIh  history  only  la^t  ni)>:ht  to  ('laru,  whom  he  had  tho 
audacity  to  Hally  with  proposalt*  to  boroin^  hJH  hri<lo,"  purKUiHi  tiie  baronet, 
"iiis  tale  waH  a  moNt  uxlraonlintiry  one.  He  narrated  it.  however,  only  up  to 
the  period  when  the  life  of  iJe  Iluldimar  waw  attempted  by  him  at  (^nebee. 
But  with  bin  Nnbs«f(|ucnt  hi-^tory  we  are  nil  well  acquainted,  thmiiKh  the  fame 
of  bia  bloody  atrocitii'S  in  all  the  |)ONtH  thai  have  fallen  -nto  tho  hands  of  Pon- 
tcac.  That  man,  savof^c  and  even  lien<liHh  tin  he  now  is.  waH  once  [H)8^e8Red 
of  tho  noblest  (|ualilieH.  I  am  Norry  to  say  it,  but  I'olonol  do  Haldiniar  has 
brought  this  pvesent  alllietion  upon  himself.  At  some  future  (leriod  i  will 
tell  you  all." 

"  Alan  !"  »aid  Oaptain  BleHHinf?ton,  •'  poor  CharleH.  then,  has  been  made 
pay  the  penalty  of  his  father's  errors;  and,  eertiiinlv,  the  fj^eatest  of  th     > 
WM  hiK  (looming  the  imibrtunate  Ilalloway  to  death  in  the  manner  he  did.'' 

'*  VVImt  think  you  of  the  fiict  of  Ilalloway  beinf?  the  nephew  of  this  ex- 
traordiiuuv  man,  and  both  of  hi(j;h  family  V"  demanded  Sir  Evoranl. 

'•  [tidcGtl !  and  was  tb"  lattiT,  then,  aware  of  the  connection  ?" 

"  Not  until  last  night,"  replies!  Sir  Kverard.  "  Some  observations  made  by 
the  w.atch(Hl  wife  of  Ilalloway.  in  the  course  of  which  she  named  his  true 
name,  (which  wtus  that  of  the  wairior  also.)  first  indirated  the  fact  to  tho 
latter.  But  what  became  of  that  unfortunate  creati'ro  ? — was  she  brought 
in  ?» 

'*  [  miderstand  not,"  said  (faptain  Blessington.  "  In  the  confusion  and 
hurry  of  securiuff  our  prisoner,  and  the  apprehension  of  immediatf!  attack 
from  his  warriors,  Ellen  was  entirely  overlooked.  Some  of  my  men  say 
they  left  her  lyinar,  insensible,  on  tho  spot  whence  the3'  had  raised  the  body 
c^our  unfortunate  friend,  which  they  had  some  difficulty  in  releasinp;  from  her 
convulsive  embrace.  But.  haik  I  there  in  the  iirst  drum  for  parade,  and  I 
hare  not  yet  exchanged  my  Indian  {jnrb." 

Captain  Blessin^ton  now  quitted  the  room,  and  Sir  Everard,  relieved  from 
the  rcsti-aining  prefsonce  of  his  companions,  gave  free  vent  to  his  emotion, 
throwing  himself  upon  the  body  of  his  friend,  and  giving  utterance  to  the 
fedings  of  anguish  that  oppressed  his  heart. 

He  luid  continued  some  minutes  in  this  position,  when  he  fa.ncied  he  felt  the 
warm  tears  of  a  human  bring  bedewing  a  hand  that  reposed  on  the  neck  of 
his  unfortunate  friend.  He  looked  up,  and  to  his  infinite  surprise,  l^ehcld 
Clara  do  Ilaldimar  .standing  before  him  at  the  opposite  side  of  the  be<l.  Her 
likeness  to  her  brother,  ^t  that  moment,  was  so  striking,  that  for  a  second  or 
two,  the  irrepres.sible  thought  pa.ssetl  through  the  mind  of  the  officer,  it  was 
not  a  hvii^  being  he  gazed  upon,  but  the  immaterial  spirit  of  his  friend.  The 
■whole  attitude  and  appearance  of  the  n'retched  girl,  independently  of  the  fact 
of  l»r  noiseless  entrance,  tende<l  to  favor  the  delusion,  iler  features,  of  an 
ashy  paleness,  seemed  fixed,  even  as  those  cf  the  corpse  beneath  him;  and 
but  for  the  tears  that  coursed  silently  down  her  cheek,  there  was  scarcely  an 
outward  evidence  of  emotion. 

"  You  are  surprised  to  sec  me  here,  mingling  my  grief  with  yours,  Sir  Eve- 
ned," she  at  length  observed,  with  the  same  calm  mien,  and  in  tones  of  touch- 
mg  sweetness.  "  I  came  here  with  my  father's  permission,  to  take  a  lost  fare- 
well of  him  whose  death  has  broken  my  heart.  I  expected  to  be  alone ;  but — 
■ay,  do  not  go,"  she  added,  perceiving  that  the  officer  was  about  to  depart. 
**Had  you  not  been  here,  1  should  have  sent  for  you;  for  we  have  both  a 
sacred  duty  to  perform.     May  I  ask  your  hand  ?" 


wacouita;  or,  the  prophbov. 


ai! 


Dutntayed  at  her  colluclwi  inmmrr,  th«  yoiiu);  oHIror  gawnl  at  bor  with  th« 
doeiwrit  sorrow  dupictuil  in  uvery  lint:  of  liis  own  countftmnw.  He  extended 
hiH  naixi,  and  Clara  to  his  Hurprisu,  i^ruMpcd  and  prc'SHed  it  Hrmly. 

"  It  WW  tlio  wisli  of  thitt  poor  boy  timt  Iuh  ('lara  nliould  bv  the  wife  of  his 
friend,  Sir  Kvonu'd.     iJid  he  over  uxpross  snoa  to  you?" 
'     "■  It  wtiN  theibnduHt  dunire  of  IiIh  heart,"  returned  tliu  baronet,  unable  to  re- 
strain the  emotion  of  joy  that  mingled  despite  of  hiniM'If,  with  hiH  wornt  ap- 
prehensionit. 

"  I  nceil  not  ask  bow  you  received  his  pro|K)HHl,"  continued  (Mara,  with  the 
same  cahnness  of  manner.  ''  Last  ni^lit, '  slie  ]iurstied  solemnly,  "  I  was  the 
brido  of  the  murderer  of  my  brother,  of  the  lover  of  my  mother, — to-morrow 
night  I  niny  be  the  bride  of  death  ;  but  to-night  1  am  the  brido  of  my  brotlior's 
friend.  Yeti,  here  I  um  come  to  pledge  rayHelf  to  the  fuUilment  of  bis  wish. 
If  you  deoiii  a  henrt-broken  girl  not  unwoithy  of  you,  J  am  your  wife,  Sir 
Everard ;  and,  rocolleet,  it  is  a  solenui  pledge,  that  which  u  slater  gives  over 
the  lifeleNH  body  of  her  brother,  beloved  uk  this  Idim  been.". 

"  Oh,  Cliir.i — deurist  Claru,"  piisxioniitely  e.xclaimed  the  excited  young  man, 
"  if  a  life  devoted  to  yoi-.r  hapiiiuess  can  repay  you  for  this,  count  upon  it  as 
you  would  upon  your  eternal  salvation.  In  you  will  f  love  both  my  friend 
and  the  sister  he  has  beiiueatlied  to  me.  t'lara,  my  l)etrothe<i  wife,  Hummon 
all  the  energies  of  your  nature  to  sustain  this  cruel  sliock  ;  and  exert  yourself 
for  him  who  will  bo  to  you  both  a  brother  and  u  husband."' 

As  he  spoke  he  drew  the  unresistinj;-  girl  towards  him,  and,  locking  her  in 
his  embra<;e,  pressed,  for  the  tirst  time,  the  lips,  which  it  had  nuiddened  him 
the  preceeding  night  to  see  poUuUnl  by  the  forcible  kisses  of  Wiicousta.  Wut 
Clara  shared  not,  but  merely  suilered  his  momentary  happines.s.  Ilor  check 
wore  not  the  crimson  of  excitunuut,  neither  were  her  tears  discontinued.  She 
seemed  as  one  who  mwihanically'subiuitted  to  wimt  slie  had  no  power  of  re- 
sistance to  oppose ;  and  even  in  the  embrace  of  her  ulllancoc'  husband,  she  ex- 
hibited the  same  death-like  calm  that  had  startled  him  at  her  tirst  appearance. 
Religion  could  not  hallow  a  purei-  feeling  than  that  which  liad  impelled  the 
action  of  the  young  officer.  The  very  consciousness  of  the  sucretl  pledge  hav- 
ing been  exchanged  over  the  corpse  of  his  friend,  imparted  a  holiness  of  fervor 
to  his  mind ;  and  even  while  he  pressed  her,  whom  he  secretly  sworo  to  Ioto 
with  all  the  affection  of  a  fond  brother  and  a  husband  united,  he  felt  that  if 
the  spirit  of  him,  who  slept  unconscious  of  the  scene,  were  sutfered  to  linger 
near,  it  would  be  to  hallow  it  with  approval. 

"  And  now,"  said  Clai-a  at  length,  yet  without  attempting  to  disengage  h«r- 
Belf| — "  now  that  we  are  united,  1  would  be  alone  with  my  brother.  My  hus- 
band, leave  me." 

Deeply  touched  at  the  name  of  husband.  Sir  Everard  could  not  refrain  from 
imprinting  another  kiss  on  the  lips  that  uttered  it.  He  then  gently  disengaged 
himself  from  his  lovely  but  suffering  charge,  whom  lie  deiwsited  with  her  head 
rwting  on  the  bed ;  and  making  a  signiiieant  motion  of  his  hand  to  the  woman, 
who.  as  weU  as  old  Morrison,  had  been  spectators  of  the  whole  scene,  stole 
oentiy  from  the  apartment,  under  what  emotions  of  joy  and  grief  it  would  be 
ai£Beult  to  describe. 


CHAPTER  XXXIV. 


It  was  the  eighth  horn-  of  morning,  and  both  officers  and  men,  quitting  their 
ill-relished  meal,  were  to  be  seen  issuing  to  the  partt<!e,  whore  the  monotonoua 
roll  of  tlie  assemblee  now  summoned  them.  Presently  the  garrison  was  formed, 
presenting  three  equal  sides  of  u  square.  The  vaaint  space  frontet!  the  guard 
house,  near  one  extremity  of  which  wan  to  be  seen  a  flight  of  steps  communi- 
cating with  the  rampart,  v.liere  the  llag-stali'  wtt.s  erected.    Several  men  were. 


IHHP 


wm^ 


mmm 


a  12 


w  A  c  o  i;  s  r  a 


o  u 


THE      PROPHECY, 


«mplo\til  !it  this  stilir,  pas^sinc;  stronp;  ropes  Uirough  iron  pulloys  that  were 
suspciitled  i'roni  tlif  OAireiiie  lop.  \vhilt>  in  tlie  hiisenicnt  of  tho  stall' itnolf,  to  a 
hciftiit  of  about  Uvoiity  lout,  wen-  stuck  at  intervals  strong  wooden  poRK,  serv- 
ing as  st'iH^  to  tJK'  .'irtillerynK'u  for  greater  facility  in  olcarint;  when  foul,  thu 
lines  to  which  the  colors  were  attached.  'I"hc  latter  had  licen  removed;  and, 
from  tho  snlistilution  of  a  cord  considerably  stronji;er  than  tliat  which  usnally 
appea;\d  ihorc,  it  ;;eoincd  as  if  sonic  fiir  heavier  weight  was  about  to  lie  ap- 
penilcil  to  it.  (iiadiialiy  ihe  men,  havinj;  ''cnipleted  their  usual  preparations, 
quitted  the  rampart,  and  tho  ilag-staff  which  was  of  tapering:  pine,  was  left 
totally  unguarded. 

Tile  '■'  Attention !"  of  Majoi'  Hliickwatcr  to  the  troops?,  who  liad  lieen  liithorto 
standiiifj;  in  attitudes  of  cxpctuncy  that  rendered  tho  injunction  almost  super- 
fluous, announced  the  approach  of  the  governor.  Soon  afterwards  that  officer 
entered  the  area,  woaring  his  characteristic  dignity  of  manner,  yet  exhibiting 
every  evidence  of  one  whojiad  suHercd  deeply.  Preparation  for  u  drum-head 
court-martial,  as  in  the  case  of  Ualloway.  had  already  been  made  within  the 
square,  wid  the  only  actor  wanting  in  the  drama  was  ho  who  wus  to  be  tried. 

Once  Colonel  de  llaldimar  made  an  eflbrt  to  command  his  appearance,  but 
the  huskincss  of  his  voice  choked  his  utterance,  and  he  was  compelled  to  pause. 
After  the  lapse  of  a  few  moments,  he  again  ordered,  but  in  a  voice  that  was 
remarked  to  falter, — 

•'  Mr.  Lawson,  let  the  prisoner  be  brought  forth." 

The  feeling  of  suspense  that  ensued  between  the  delivery  and  execution  of 
th'S  command  was  jiainful  throughout  the  ranks.  All  were  i)enetrated  with 
curiosity  to  behold  a  man  who  had  several  times  appeared  to  them  under  the 
most  appallins;  circumstances,  and  against  whsm  the  strongest  feeling  of  indig- 
nation had  been  excited  for  his  barbarous  murder  of  Charles  de  Haldimar.  It 
was  wi  h  mingled  awe  and  anger  they  now  awaited  his  approach.  At  length 
the  captive  was  seen  advancing  from  the  cell  in  which  he  had  been  confined, 
his  gigantic  form  towering  far  above  those  of  the  guard  cf  grenadiers  by  whom 
he  was  surrounde<l ;  and  with  a  haughtiness  m  his  air,  and  insolence  in  his 
-manner,  that  told  lie  came  to  (-onfront  his  enemy  with  a  spirit  unsubdued  by 
the  late  that  too  probably  awaited  him. 

Many  an  eyuwas  turned  upon  the  governor  at  that  moment.  He  was  evi- 
dently struggling  for  '^oniposurc  to  meet  the  scene  he  felt  it  to  be  impossible 
to  avoid ;  and  he  turned  pale  and  paler  as  liis  enemy  drew  near. 

At  length  the  prisoner  stood  nearly  on  the  same  spot  where  his  unfortunate 
nephew  had  lingered  on  a  former  occasion.  lie  was  unchained ;  but  his  hands 
■were  lirmly  secured  behind  his  back.  He  threw  himself  into  an  attitude  of 
carelessness,  resting  on  one  foot,  and  tapping  the  earth  with  the  other ;  rivet- 
ing his  eye,  at  the  same  time,  with  an  expression  of  the  most  daring  insolence, 
on  the  governor,  while  his  swarthy  check  was  moreover  lighted  up  with  a 
smile  of  the  deepest  scorn. 

"  You  are  Reginald  Morton  the  outlaw,  I  liclieve,"  at  length  observed  the 
governor  in  an  uncertain  tone,  that,  however,  acquired  greater  firmness  as  he 
proceeded, — "  one  whose  life  has  already  been  forfeited  through  his  treasona- 
ble practices  in  Europe,  and  who  has,  moreover,  incurred  tlie  penalty  of  an 
ignominious  death,  by  acting  as  a  spy  of  the  enemies  of  England  What  say 
you,  Reginald  Morton,  that  you  should  not  be  convicted  in  the  death  that 
awaits  the  traitor  ?" 

•'Ila!  ha!  by  heaven,  such  cold,  pompous  insolence  amuses  me,"  ^'ociferated 
Wacousta.  '■  It  reminds  me  of  Ensigii  de  llaldimar  of  nearly  five  and  twenty 
years  back,  who  was  then  as  cunning  a  dissembler  as  he  is  now."  Suddenly 
changing  his  ribald  tone  to  one  of  scorn  and  rage : — "  You  believe  me,  you  say, 
to  be  Reginald  Morton,  the  outlaw.  Well  do  you  know  it.  I  am  that  Sir 
Regiii.cld  Morton,  who  l>ec;inie  an  outlaw,  not  through  his  own  crimes,  but 
through  your  villany.  Ay,  frown  as  you  may,  I  heed  it  not.  You  may  award 
mo  death,  but  shall  not  chain  iny  tongue.     To  your  whole  regiment  do  I  pro- 


W  A  C  O  II  S  T  A 


O  11 


T  II  K    r  r.  (>  1'  II  i:  i;  v 


aisr 


claim  you  for  a  Mac,  rcmorHelcss  villain."  'I'lu'ii  tiuuiu;!,'  Iiis  Jlusiiiiiit  lye  uloiig 
the  ranks : — "  T  was  once  an  ofliiccr  in  this  coriis,  juhI  loii;;-  In.  lore  iiny  of  you 
wore  tiic  accnrsctl  uniform.  'I'liat  man,  tliat  fiend,  all'cctcii  to  hi'  my  friend;  . 
and  under  tlie  guise  of  frieud,shi[),  stole  into  the  hejirt  I  loved  hettei-  than  ray 
own  life.  Yea,"  fervently  pursued  the  excited  prisoner,  stumiiiii!;'  violently 
with  hia  foot  upon  the  earth,  "  he  rohl)ed  me  of  my  aHiiiuced  wife ;  and  for 
that  I  resented  an  outrage  that  should  have  hanished  him  lo  some  lone  region, 
where  he  might  never  again  pollute  human  nalure  Vi^ith  his  piesence — he 
caused  me  to  he  tried  hy  a  court-martial,  and  dismissed  the  serviee.  Then, 
indeed,  I  hecame  the  (nitlaw  lie  has  descri'it'd,  hut  not  ur  il  Ihoii.  Now, 
(Joloncl  de  Haldimar,  that  1  have  proclaimed  your  infamy,  fioor  and  ineiliciont 
a.s  the  triumph  he,  do  your  worst — I  ask  no  niricy.  Yesterday  1  thought 
that  years  of  toilsome  i)ursuit  of  the  means  of  vengeance  were  ahout  to  be 
crowned  v/ith  success ;  hut  fate  has  turned  the  tables  on  me,  and  I  yield." 

To  all  but  the  baronet  and  Captain  IJlcssington  this  declaration  was  pro- 
ductive of  the  utmost  .surprise.  Kvcry  eye  was  turned  upon  the  colonel.  He 
grew  impatient  under  the  scrutiny,  and  demanded  if  the  court,  who  mean-< 
while  had  been  deliberating,  satisfied  of  tlie  guilt  of  the  prisoner,  had  como  to  a 
decision  in  regard  to  his  punishment.  An  affirmative  answer  was  given,  and 
Colonel  do  Haldimar  proceeded. 

"  Reginald  Morton,  with  the  private  misfortunes  of  yoiu'  former  life  we  Iiave 
nothing  to  do.  It  is  the  decision  of  this  court,  who  are  merely  met  out  of 
form,  that  you  suffer  immediate  death  by  hanging,  as  a  just  recompense  for 
your  double  treason  to  your  country.  There,"  and  he  pointed  to  the  flag- 
staff, '•  will  you  be  exhibited  to  the  misguided  people  whom  your  wicked 
artifices  have  stirred  i:p  into  hostiUty  against  us.  ^Vhen  they  behold  your 
fate,  they  will  take  warning  from  your  example  ;  and,  finding  we  have  heads 
and  arms  not  to  suffer  offence  with  impunity,  be  more  readily  brought  to 
obedience." 

"  I  understand  your  allusion,"  coolly  rejoined  Wacousta,  glancing  earnestly 
at,  and  apparently  measuring  with  his  eye.  the  dimensions  of  the  conspicuous 
scaffold  on  which  hi  was  to  suffer.  "  You  had  ever  a  calculating  heai,  De 
Haldimar,  where  any  secret  villany,  anything  to  promote  your  own  sc'<lsh 
ends,  was  to  be  gained  by  it;  but  your  calculation  seems  now,  methinks,  at 
fault." 

Colonel  De  Haldimar  looked  at  him  enquiringly. 

"  You  have  still  a  son  left,"  pursued  the  prisoner  with  the  same  recklessness 
of  manner,  and  in  a  tone  denoting  allusioii  to  him  who  was  no  more,  that . 
caused  an  universal  shudder  throughout  the  ranks.  "  He  is  in  the  hands  of 
the  Ottawa  Indians,  and  I  am  the  friend  of  their  great  chief,  inferior  only  in 
power  among  the  tnbe  to  himself.  Think  you  that  he  will  see  me  hanged  up 
like  a  dog,  and  fail  to  avenge  my  disgraceful  death  ?" 

"  Ha  !  presumptuous  renegade,  is  this  the  deep  game  you  have  in  view  1 
Hope  you  then  to  stipulate  for  the  preservation  of  .a  life  every  way  forfeited 
to  the  offended  justice  of  your  country  ?  Dare  you  to  cherish  the  belief^  that 
after  the  horrible  threats  so  often  denounced  by  you,  you  will  again  be  let 
loose  upon  a  career  of  crime  and  blood  ?" 

"  None  of  your  cant,  De  Hrldimar,  as  I  once  obser\'ed  to  you  before," 
coolly  retorted  Wacousta,  with  bitter  sarcasm.  ■'  Consult  your  own  heart, 
and  ask  if  its  catalogue  of  crime  be  rot  far  greater  than  my  own :  yet  I  ask. 
not  my  life.  I  would  but  have  the  manner  of  m}-  fate  altered,  and  fain  > 
would  die  the  death  of  the  soldier  I  was  before  you  rendered  me  the  wretch 
I  am.  Methi  'is  the  boon  is  not  so  great,  if  the  restoration  of  your  son  be  tho 
price." 

"  Do  you  mean,  then,"  eagerly  returned  the  governor.  '•  that  if  the  r.ere 
mode  of  your  death  be  changed,  my  son  shall  be  restored  7" 

"  I  do,"  was  the  calm  reply. 

"  What  pledge  have  we  of  the  fact  ?    What  faith  can  we  repose  in  the  word 


214 


WACOU8TA 


Oil 


THE     PROPHECY. 


of  a  fiend,  whoso  brutal  venpreancu  has  already  sacrificed  the  gentlest  life  that 
over  animated  hunian  clay'?''  Here  the  emotion  of  the  governor  almost 
choked  his  utterance,  and  considerable  imitation  and  murmuring  wore  mani- 
fested in  the  ranks. 

"  Gentle,  said  you  ?"  replied  the  prisoner,  musingly  ;  '4then  did  he  resem- 
ble his  mother,  whom  1  loved,  even  as  his  brother  resemblet!  you,  whom  I 
have  BO  much  reason  to  hute.  Had  1  kno'va  the  boy  to  be  what  you  describe, 
I  might  have  felt  i^ome  touch  of  pity  even  while  I  delayed  not  to  strike  his 
death  blow ;  but  the  false  moonlight  deceived  me,  and  the  detested  name  of 
De  Haldimar,  pronounced  by  the  lips  of  my  nephew's  wife-:-that  wife  whom 
your  cold-blooded  scveiity  had  widowed  and  driven  mad — wan  in  itself  suffi- 
cient to  ensure  his  doom." 

"  Inhuman  ruftiar  !"  exclaimed  the  governor,  with  increasing  indignation ; 
"  to  the  j)oint.  What  pledge  have  you  to  otter  that  my  son  will  i)e  restored  ?" 

"  Nay,  the  pledge  is  easily  given,  and  without  much  risk.  You  havo  only 
to  defer  my  death  until  your  messenger  return  from  his  interview  with  Pon- 
teac.  If  Captain  de  Haldimar  accompan}-^  him  back,  shoot  me  as  I  have  re- 
quested ;  if  he  come  not,  then  it  is  but  to  hang  me,  after  all." 

"  Ha  !  I  understand  you  ;  this  is  but  a  pretext  to  gain  time,  a  device  to  en- 
able vour  subtle  orain  to  plan  some  mode  of  escape." 

"  As  you  will.  Colonel  de  Haldimar,"  calmly  retorted  Waoousta ;  and  again 
he  sank  into  silence,  with  the  air  of  one  utterly  indifferent  to  results. 

"  Do  you  mean,"  resumed  the  colonel,  "  that  a  request  from  yourself  to  the 
Ottawa  chief  will  obtain  the  liberation  of  my  son  ?" 

'  Unless  the  Indian  be  false  as  yourself,  I  do." 

"  And  of  the  lady  who  is  with  him  ?"  continued  the  colonel,  coloiing  with 
anger. 

«  Of  both."  , 

"  How. is  the  message  to  be  conveyed  ?" 

"  Ha,  sir !"  returned  tho  prisoner,  drawing  himself  up  to  his  full  height, 
"  now  are  you  arrived  at  a  point  that  is  pertinent.  M)-^  wampum  belt  will  be 
the  passport,  and  the  safeguard  of  him  you  send  ;  then  for  the  communica- 
tion. There  are  certain  figures,  as  you  are  aware,  that,  traced  on  bark,  an- 
swer the  same  purpose  among  the  Indians  with  the  European  language  of 
letters.  Let  my  hands  be  cut  loose,"  he  pursued,  but  in  a  tone  in  which 
agitation  and  excitement  might  be  detected,  "  and  if  bark  be  brought  mc,  and 
a  burnt  stick  or  coal,  I  will  give  you  not  onl}-^  a  sample  of  Indian  ingenuity, 
but  a  specimen  of  my  own  progress  in  Indian  acquirements." 

"  What,  free  your  hands,  and  thus  afford  you  a  chance  of  escape  ?"  observed 
the  governor,  doubtingly. 

WacouBta  bent  his  steadfast  gaze  on  him  for  a  few  moments  a.s  if  ho  ques- 
tioned be  had  heard  aright.  Then  bursting  into  a  wild  and  scornful  laugh, — 
"  By  heaven !"  he  exclaimed,  "  this  is,  indeed,  a  high  compliment  you  pay  me 
at  the  expense  of  these  line  fellows.  What,  Colonel  de  Haldimar  afraid  to 
liberate  an  unarmed  prisoner,  hemmed  in  by  a  forest  of  bayonets  ?  This  is 
good  ;  gentlemen,"  and  he  bent  himself  in  sarcastic  reverence  to  tlie  astonished 
iroops,  •'  I  beg  to  ofler  my  very  best  congratulatiens  on  the  high  estimation 
in  which  you  are  held  by  your  colonel." 

"  Peace,  sirrah !"  exclaimed  the  governor,  enraged  beyond  measure  at  the 
insolence  of  him  who  thus  held  him  up  to  contempt  before  his  men.  "  or,  by 
heaven,  T  will  have  your  tongue  cut  out ! — Mr.  Lawson,  let  what  this  fellow 
requires  be  procured  immediately."  Then  addressing  Lieutenant  Boycc,  who 
commanded  the  immediate  guard  over  the  prisoner, — '•  Let  hi,s  hands  be  lib- 
erated, fiir,  and  enjoin  your  men  to  be  watchful  of  the  movements  of  tlii.'i 
.supple  traitor.  His  activity  I  know  of  old  to  be  great,  and  he  seems  to  have 
doubled  it  since  he  assumed  that  garb." 

The  command  was  executed,  and  the  prisoner  stood,  once  more  free  and 
unfettered  in  every  muscular  limb.    A  deep  and  unbroken  silence  ensued ; 


wacousta;    or,   the    prop  he  c  y , 


216 


and  the  return  of  the  adjutant  was  momentarily  expected.  Suddenly  a 
loud  scream  was  heard,  and  the  slight  figure  of  n  female,  clad  in  white,  came 
rushing  from  the  pia/.za  in  which  the  apartment  of  the  deceased  De  Haldimar 
waa  situated.  It  was  Clara.  The  guard  of  Wacousta  formed  the  fourth  front 
of  the  square ;  but  they  were  drawn  up  somewhat  in  the  distance,  so  as  to 
leave  un  open  space  of  several  feet  at  the  angles.  Through  one  of  these  the 
excited  girl  now  passed  into  the  area,  with  a  wildness  in  her  air  and  appearance 
that  riveted  every  eye  in  painful  interest  upon  her.  She  paused  not  until  she 
had  gained  tlie  side  of  the  captive,  at  whose  feet  she  now  sank  in  an  attitude 
expressive  of  the  most  profound  despair. 

"  Tiger  ! — monster !"  she  raved,  '  restore  my  brother  ! — give  me  back  the 
gentle  life  j'ou  have  taken,  or  dest/oy  my  own  !  See,  I  am  a  weak  defence- 
less girl :  can  you  not  strike  ? — you  have  no  pity  for  the  innocent.  But 
come,"  she  pur.sued  mournfully,  regaining  her  feet  and  grasping  his  iron  hand, 
— "  come  and  see  the  sweet  calm  face  of  him  you  have  slain : — come  with  me, 
and  behold  the  image  of  Clara  lieverley  ;  and,  if  you  ever  loved  her  as  you 
say  you  did,  let  your  soul  be  touched  with  remorse  for  your  crime." 

The  excitement  and  confusion  produced  by  this  unexpected  interruption 
was  great.  Muri  luis  of  compassion  for  the  rnhai)py  Clara,  and  of  indigna- 
tion against  the  prisoner,  wore  no  longer  sought  to  be  repressed  hy  the  men ; 
while  the  officers,  (juitt'ng  their  places  in  the  ranks,  grouped  themselves  indis- 
criminately in  the  fore-ground.  One,  more  im{)atient  than  his  companions, 
sprang  forward,  and  forcibly  drew  away  the  delicate  hand  that  still  gi'asped 
that  of  the  captive.    It  was  Sir  Everard  Valletort. 

"  Clara,  my  beloved  wife  !"  he  exclaimed,  to  the  astonishment  of  all  who 
heard  him,  '■  pollute  not  your  lips  by  fuiiher  communion  with  such  a  wretch ; 
his  heart  is  as  inaccessible  to  pity  as  the  rugged  rocks  on  which  his  spring-life 
was  passed.  For  Heaven's  sake, — for  my  sake, — linger  not  within  his  reach. 
There  is  death  in  his  very  presence." 

•'  Your  wife,  sir  !"  haughtily  observed  the  governor,  mth  irrepressible  as- 
tonishment and  indignation  in  his  voice ;  "  what  mean  you  ? — Gentlemen,  re- 
sume your  places  in  the  ranks.  Clara — Miss  do  Haldimar,  I  command  you  to 
retire  instantly  to  your  apartment.  We  will  discourse  of  this  later,  Sir  Eve- 
rard Valletort.     I  trust  you  have  not  dared  to  offer  an  indignity  to  my  child." 

While  he  was  yet  turned  to  that  officer,  who  had  taken  hi.s  post,  as  com- 
manded, in  the  inner  angle  of  the  square,  and  Avith  a  countenance  that  denoted 
the  conflicting  emotions  of  his  soul,  he  was  suddenly  startled  by  the  confused 
shout  and  rushing  forward  of  the  whole  body,  both  of  officers  and  men.  Be- 
fore he  had  time  to  turn,  a  loud  and  well-remembered  yell  burst  upon  his 
ear.  The  next  moment,  to  his  infinite  surprise  and  horror,  he  beheld  the 
bold  warrior  rapidly  ascending  the  very  staff  that  had  been  destined  for  his 
scaffold,  and  with  Clara  in  his  arms  ! 

Great  was  the  confusion  that  ensued.  To  rush  forward  and  surround  the 
flag-staff,  was  the  immediate  action  of  the  troops.  Many  of  the  men  raised 
trfeir  muskets,  and  m  the  excitement  of  the  moment,  would  have  fired,  had 
they  not  been  restrained  by  their  officers,  who  pointed  out  the  certain  destruc- 
tion it  would  entail  on  the  unfortunate  Clara.  With  the  rapidity  of  thought, 
Wacor.ca  had  si.atched  up  his  victim,  while  the  attention  of  the  troops  was 
directed  to  the  singular  conversation  passing  between  the  governor  and  Sir 
Everard  A'alletort,  and  darting  through  one  of  the  open  angles  already  al- 
luded to.  had  gainetl  the  rampart  before  they  had  recovered  from  tke  stupor 
produced  b)-^  his  daring  action.  Stepping  lightly  upon  the  pegs,  he  had  ra- 
pidly ascended  to  the  utmost  height  of  these,  before  any  one  thought  of  fol- 
lowing him  ;  and  then  grasping  in  his  teeth  the  cord  which  was  to  haw  served 
for  his  execution,  and  nolding  Clara  firndj-  against  hi.s  chest,  while  he  cm- 
braced  the  smooth  staff  with  knees  and  feet  closely  compressed  around  it,  ac- 
complished the  difficult  ascent  with  an  ease  that  astonished  all  who  beheld 
him.     Gradually,  as  he  approached  the  top.  the  tapeiing  pine  waved  to  and 


216 


w 


A  (;  0  U  S  T  A  ;      OR,     T  It  E     P  K  0  P  H  E  C  Y  , 


fro  ;  unci  al  ouch  moment  it  was  expected,  tliat,  yioldin";  to  tiu'ir  unitwl  weight, 
it  wdwlil  snap  asuiKiir.  and  prcnpitato  both  Clara  and  hinisi'll".  upon  the  ram- 
part, or  into  the  ditch  beyond. 

Moic  than  one  otHccr  now  attempted  to  follow  the  fugitive  in  his  adventu- 
rous course ;  hut  even  lieutenant  Johnstone,  tlie  most  active  and  experienced 
in  climbing  of  the  party,  was  imahlc  to  rise  more  than  a  few  yards  above  the 
pegs  that  aflbrded  a  footing,  and  the  enterprise  was  abandoned  as  an  impo,s- 
sibility.  .Vt  length  Wacousta  was  seen  to  gain  the  extreme  summit.  For  a 
moment  he  turned  his  gaze  anxiously  bey(md  the  town,  in  the  direction  of  the 
bridge  ;  .'uid.  after  pealing  forth  one  of  his  terrific  yells,  exclaimed,  exultingly, 
as  he  turned  his  eyes  upon  his  enemy  : — 

"  Well,  colonel,  what  think  you  of  this  sample  of  Indian  ingeniiity  ?  Did 
I  not  tell  you,"  iie  continued,  in  mockery,  "'  thai,  if  my  hands  wore*l)nt  fre^, 
1  would  give  you  a  specimen  of  my  progress  in  Indian  acquiremenis  ?" 

"  If  you  would  avoid  a  death  even  more  terrible  than  that  of  hanging," 
shoutcil  the  governor,  in  a  voice  of  mingled  rage  and  terror,  '■  restore  my 
daughter." 

'•  Ila!  ha!  ha ! — excellent !"  Vociferated  the  savage.  "You  threaten  largely, 
my  good  governor ;  but  your  threats  are  hisrmless  as  those  oi'  a  weak  besieg- 
ing army  i)efore  an  impregnable  fortress.  It  is  for  the  strongest,  however,  to 
propose  his  terms.  If  I  restore  this  girl  to  life,  will  you  pledge  vour-self  to 
mhie?" 

"  Never !"  thundered  Colonel  de  Ilaldimar,  with  unusual  energy.  '•  Men, 
procure  axes ;  cut  the  Hag-statV  down,  since  this  is  the  only  means  left  of  se- 
curing yon  insolent  traitor  I  Quick  to  your  work :  and  mark,  who  hr.st  seizes 
him  shall  liavo  promotion  on  the  spot." 

Axes  were  instantly  procmed.  and  two  of  the  men  now  lent  themselves 
vigorously  to  the  task.  AVacousta  seemed  to  watch  these  preparations  with 
evident  anxiety  ;  and  to  all  it  appesired  as  if  his  courage  had  been  paralysed 
by  this  unexpected  action.  No  sooner,  however,  had  the  axemen  reached  the 
heart  of  the  staff,  than,  holding  Clara  forth  over  the  edge  of  the  rampart,  he 
shouted, — 

"  One  stroke  more,  and  she  perishes  !" 

Instantaneously  the  work  was  discontinued.  A  silence  of  a  few  moments  en- 
sued. Every  eye  was  turned  upward, — every  heart  beat  with  terror  to  see 
the  delicate  girl,  held  by  a  single  arm,  and  apparently  about  to  h<i  precipitated 
from  that  dizzying  height.     Again  Wacousta  shouted, — 

"Life  for  life,  De  Ilaldimar  !     If  I  yield  her  shall  I  live ?" 

"No  terms  shall  be  dictated  to  me  by  a  rebel,  in  the  heart  of  my  own  fort," 
returned  the  govcnor.  "  Restore  my  child,  and  we  will  then  consider  what 
mercy  may  be  extended  to  jou." 

"Well  do  I  know  what  mercy  dwells  in  such  a  heart  iis  yours,"  gloomily 
remarked  the  prisoner ;  ''  but  I  come." 

"  Surround  the  staff,  men,"  ordered  the  governor,  in  a  low  tone.  "  The  in- 
stant he  descends,  secure  him :  lash  him  in  ivery  limb,  nor  suffer  even  liis 
insolent  tongue  to  he  longer  at  liberty." 

"  Boycc,  for  God's  sake  open  the  gate,  and  place  men  in  readiness  to  lower 
the  dnawbridge,"  implored  Sir  Everard  of  the  officer  of  ^hc  guard,  and  in  a 
tone  of  deep  emotion  that  wa.'^  not  meant  to  be  overheard  by  the  governor. 
"  I  fear  the  boldness  of  this  vengeful  man  may  lead  him  to  some  desperate 
means  of  escape." 

While  the  officer  whom  he  addressed  issued  a  command,  the  responsibility 
of  which  he  fancied  he  might,  under  the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  moment, 
take  upon  himself  Wacousta  began  his  descent,  not  as  before,  by  adhering  to 
the  staff  but  by  the  rope  which  he  heid  in  his  left  hand,  while  he  still  sup- 
ported the  apparently  senseless  Clara  against  hia  right  breast  with  the  other. 

"  Now,  Colonel  de  Haldimar,  1  hope  your  heart  is  at  rest,"  he  shouted,  as 


wacousta;   or,    the    prophecy. 


317 


ho  rapidly  glided  by  the  cord ;  "  enjoy  your  triumph  as  b«st  may  stiit  your 
pleasure."  , 

Every  eye  followed  his  movement  with  interest ;  every  heart  beat  lighter  at 
the  certainty  of  Clara  being  again  restored,  and  without  other  injury  than 
the  terror  she  must  have  experienced  in  such  a  scene.  Each  congratulated 
himself  on  the  favorable  termination  of  the  terrible  adventure,  yet  were  all 
ready  to  spring  upon  and  secure  the  desperate  author  of  the  wrong.  Wacousta 
had  now  reached  the  centre  of  the  flagstaflF.  Pausing  for  a  moment,  he 
grappled  it  with  his  strong  and  nervous  feet,  on  which  ho  apparently  rested, 
to  give  u  momentary  relief  to  the  muscles  of  his  left  arm.  Ho  then  abruptly 
abandoned  his  hold,  swinging  himself  out  a  few  yards  from  the  staff,  and  re- 
turning again,  dashed  his  feet  against  it  with  a  force  that  caused  the  weakened 
mass  to  vibrate  to  its  very  foundation.  Impelled  by  his  weight,  and  the  vio- 
lence of  his  action,  the  creaking  pine  gave  way ;  its  lofty  top  gradtially  bend- 
ing over  the  exterior  rampart  until  it  finally  snapped  asunder,  and  fell  with  a 
loud  crash  across  the  ditch. 

"  Open  the  gate,  down  with  the  drawbridge  !"  exclaimed  the  excited  gov- 
ernor. 

"  Down  with  the  drawbridge,"  repeated  Sir  Everard  to  the  men  already 
stationed  there  ready  to  let  loose  at  the  first  order.  The  heavy  chains  rattloj 
sullenly  through  the  rusty  pulleys,  and  to  each  the  bridge  seemed  an  houv 
descending.  Before  it  had  reached  its  level,  it  was  covered  with  the  weight 
of  many  armed  men  rushing  confusedljr  to  the  front ;  and  the  foremost  of 
these  leaped  to  the  earth  before  it  had  sunk  into  its  customary  bed.  Sir 
Everard  Valletort  and  Lieutenant  Johnstone  were  in  the  front,  both  armed 
with  their  rifles,  which  had  beci;  brought  them  before  Wacoustiv  commenced 
his  descent.  Without  order  or  combination,  Erskine,  Blessington,  and  nearly 
half  of  their  respective  companies,  followed  as  they  could  ;  and  dispersing  as 
they  advanced,  sought  only  which  could  outstrip  his  fellows  in  the  pursuit. 

Meanwhile  the  fugitive,  assisted  in  his  fall  by  the  gradual  rending  asunder 
of  the  staff,  had  obeyed  the  impulsion  first  given  to  his  active  form,  untfl, 
suddenly  checking  himself  by  the  rope,  he  dropped  with  his  feet  downwaro 
intjj  the  centre  of  the  ditch.  For  a  moment  ho  disappeared,  then  came  again 
uninjured  to  the  suiface  ;  and  in  the  face  of  more  than  fifty  men,  who,  lining 
the  rampart  with  their  muskets  levelled  to  take  him  at  advantage  the  instant 
he  should  reappear,  seemed  to  laugh  their  efforts  to  scorn.  Holding  Clara 
before  him  as  a  shield,  *hrough  which  the  bullets  of  his  enemies  must  pass 
before  they  could  attain  him,  he  impelled  his  gigantic  form  with  a  backward 
movement  toward  the  opposite  bank,  which  he  rapidly  ascended  ;  and,  KtiLl 
fronting  his  enemies,  commenced  his  flight  in  that  manner  with  a  speed  which 
(^considering  the  additional  weight  of  the  drenched  garments  of  both)  was 
inconceivable.  The  course  taken  by  him  wvs  not  through  the  town,  but  cir- 
cuitously  across  the  common  until  he  arrived  on  that  immediate  line  wheiice, 
as  we  have  before  stated,  the  bridge  was  distinctly  visible  from  the  rampart ; 
on  which,  nearly  the  whole  of  the  remaining  troops,  in  defiance  of  the  pres- 
ence of  their  austere  chief,  were  now  eagerly  as:sembled,  watching,  with  vn- 
speakable  interest,  the  pregress  of  the  chase. 

Desperate  as  were  the  exertions  of  Wacousta,  who  evidently  continued  this 
mode  of  flight  from  a  conviction  that  the  instaiit  his  person  was  left  exposed 
the  fire-arms  of  his  pursuers  would  be  brought  to  bear  upon  him,  the  two 
officers  in  front,  animated  by  the  most  extraordinary  exertions,  were  rapidly 
gaining  upon  him.  Already  was  one  within  fifty  yards  of  him,  when  a  loud 
yell  was  heard  from  the  bridge.  This  was  fiercely  answered  by  the  fleeing 
man,  and  in  a  manner  that  implied  his  glad  sense  of  coming  rescue.  In  the 
wild  exultation  of  the  moment,  he  raised  Clara  high  above  his  head,  to  show 
her  in  triumph  to  the  governor,  whose  person  his  keen  eye  could  easily  dis- 
tmguish  among  those  crowded  upon  the  rampart.  In  the  gratified  vengeance 
of  that  hour,  he  seemed  utterly  to  overlook  the  actions  of  those  who  were  so 


218 


wacoosta;  or,  thf  prophecy, 


near  him.  During  this  brief  scene,  Sir  Evernrd  hnd  dropped  upon  one  knoe, 
and  supporting  liis  elhow  on  the  other,  aimed  his  rifle  atihe  heart  of  the  rav- 
ishor  of  his  wife.  An  exulting  shout  burst  from  the  pursuing  troops,  Wa- 
cousta  bounded  a  few  feet  in  air,  and  placing  his  hand  to  liis  side,  uttered 
another  yoll,  more  appalling  than  any  that  had  hitherto  escaped  him.  Ilia 
flight  was  now  uncertain  and  wavering.  He  staggered  as  one  who  liad  re- 
ceived a  mortal  wound  ;  and  discontinuing  liis  unequal  mode  of  retreat,  turned 
his  back  upon  his  pursuers,  and  threw  all  his  remaining  energies  into  a  flnal 
effort  at  escape. 

Inspirited  by  the  success  of  his  shot,  and  expecting  momentarily  to  see 
him  fall  weakened  with  the  loss  of  blooa,  the  excited  Vallotort  redoubled  his 
exertions.  To  his  infinite  joy,  he  found  that  the  eflbrts  of  the  fugitive  Jx;camo 
fcebl'jr  at  each  moment.  Johnstone  was  about  twenty  paces  behind  hrm,  and 
the  pursuing  party  at  about  the  same  distance  from  Johnstone.  The  baronet 
had  now  reached  his  enemy,  and  already  was  the  butt  of  his  rifle  raised  with 
murderous  intent,  when  suddenly  Wacousta,  every  feature  distorted  with  rage 
and  pain,  turned  like  a  wounded  lion  at  bay,  and  eluding  the  blow,  deposited 
the  unconscious  form  of  his  victim  upon  the  sward.  Springing  upon  his  in- 
finitely weakei"  pursuer,  he  grappled  him  furiously  by  the  throat,  exclaiming 
through  his  clenched  teeth  : — 

"  Nay  then,  since  you  will  provoke  your  fate — be  it  so.  Die  like  a  dog, 
and  be  d d,  for  having  balked  me  of  my  just  revenge  !" 

As  he  spoke,  he  hurled  the  grasping  omcer  to  the  earth  with  a  violence  that 
betrayed  the  dreadiul  excitement  of  his  soul,  and  agaiu  hastened  to  assure 
himself  of  his  prize. 

Meanwhile,  Lieutenant  Johnstone  had  come  up,  and  seeing  his  companion 
struggling,  as  he  presumed  with  advantage,  with  his  severely  wounded  enemy, 
made  it  his  drst  care  to  secure  the  unhappy  girl ;  for  whose  recovery  the  pur- 
suit had  been  principally  instituted.  Quitting  his  rifle,  he  now  essayed  to 
raise  her  in  his  arms.  She  was  without  life  or  consciousness,  and  the  im- 
pression on  his  mind  was  that  she  was  dead. 

While  in  the  act  of  raising  her,  the  terrible  Wacousta  stood  at  his  side,  his 
vast  chest  heaving  forth  a  laugh  of  mingled  rage  and  contempt.  Before  the 
oificer  could  extricate,  with  a  view  of  defending  himself,  his  arms  were  pinion- 
ed as  though  in  a  vice ;  and  ere  he  could  recover  from  his  surprise,  he  felt 
himself  lifted  up  and  thrown  to  a  considerable  distance.  When  he  opened  his 
eyes  a  moment  afterwards,  he  was  lying  amid  the  moving  feet  of  his  own  men. 

From  the  instant  of  the  closing  of  the  unfortunate  Valletort  with  his  enemy, 
the  Indians,  hastening  to  the  assistance  of  their  chief,  had  come  up,  and  a  de- 
sultory fire  had  already  commenced,  diverting,  in  a  great  degree,  the  attention 
of  the  troops  from  the  pursued.  Emboldened  by  this  new  aspect  of  things, 
Wacousta  now  deliberately  grasped  the  rifle  that  had  been  abandoned  by 
Johnstone ;  and  raising  it  to  his  soulder,  fired  among  the  group  collected  on 
the  ramparts.  For  a  moment  he  watched  the  result  of  his  shot,  and  then, 
pealing  forth  another  fierce  yell,  ho  hurled  the  now  useless  weapon  mto  the 
very  heart  of  his  pursuers ;  and  again  raising  Clara  in  his  arms,  once  more 
conmienced  his  retreat,  which,  under  cover  of  the  fire  of  his  party,  was  easily 
efiected. 

"  Who  has  fallen  ?"  demanded  the  governor  of  his  adjutant,  perceiving  that 
some  one  had  been  hit  at  his  side,  yet  without  taking  his  eyes  ofl"  his  terrible 
enemy. 

"'Mr.  Dclme,  sir,"  was  the  reply.  "He  has  been  shot  through  the  heart, 
and  his  men  are  bearing  him  from  the  rampart." 

"  This  must  not  be,"  resumed  the  governor  with  energy.  "  Private  feelings 
must  no  longer  be  studied  at  the  expense  of  the  public  good.  The  pursuit  is 
hopeless ;  and  already  too  many  of  my  officers  liave  fallen.  Desire  the  re- 
treat to  be  sounded,  Mr.  Lawson.    Captain  Wentworth,  let  one  or  two  cover- 


wacousta;    ou,    thk    prophecy 


210 


ing  j^ns  bo  brought  to  bear  upon  the  savngus.  Thoy  are  gradually  increas- 
in(i  in  numbers;  and  if  we  delay,  the  party  will  bo  wholly  cut  off." 

In  issuing  these  orders,  Colonel  de  Haldimar  evinced  a  composednoss  that 
astonished  all  who  heard  him.  But  although  hi.s  voice  was  calm,  de.s!pair  was 
upon  his  brow.  Still  he  continued  to  gaze  fixedlj'  on  the  retreating  form  of 
his  enemy,  until  he  finally  disappeared  behind  the  orchard  of  the  Canadian  of 
the  Flcur  de  Lis. 

Obeying  the  summons  from  the  fort,  the  troops  without  now  commenced 
their  retreat,  bearing  off  the  bodies  of  their  fallen  otHccrs  and  several  of  their 
comrades  who  had  fallen  by  the  Indian  fire.  There  was  a  show  of  harassing 
them  on  their  return  ;  but  they  were  too  near  the  fort  to  apprehend  much 
danger.  Two  or  three  well-directed  discharges  of  artillery  eflectually  checked 
the  onward  progress  of  the  .vavagcs ;  and,  in  the  course  of  a  minuti;,  they  had 
again  wholly  disajjijeared. 

In  gloomj'  .silence,  and  with  anger  and  disappointment  in  their  hearts,  the 
detachment  now  re-entered  the  foi't.  Johnstone  was  only  severely  bruised  ; 
Sir  Evorard  Valletort  not  dead.  Both  were  conveyed  to  the  same  room, 
where  they  were  instantly  attended  by  the  surgeon,  who  pronounced  the  situ- 
ation of  the  latter  hopeless. 

Major  Blackwater,  Captains  Blessington  and  Er.skinc,  Lieutenants  Leslie 
and  Boyce,  and  Ensigns  Fortcscue  and  Summers,  were  now  the  only  regi- 
mental officers  that  remained  of  thirteen  originall}'  comprising  the  strength  of 
the  garrison.  The  whole  of  these  stood  grouped  around  their  colonel,  who 
.seemed  transfixed  to  the  spot  he  had  first  occupied  on  the  rampart,  with  his 
arms  folded,  and  his  gaze  bent  in  the  direction  in  which  he  had  lost  sight  of 
VViwJousta  and  his  child. 

Hitherto  the  morning  had  been  cold  and  cheerless,  and  objects  in  the  far 
distance  were  but  indistinctly  seen  through  a  humid  atmosphere.  At  about 
half  an  hour  before  mid-day  the  air  became  more  rarified,  and,  the  murky 
clouds  gradually  disappearing,  left  the  blue  autumnal  .sky  wUhout  spot  or 
blemish.  Presently,  as  the  bells  of  the  fort  struck  twelve,  a  yell  of  a  legion 
of  devils  rent  the  air;  and,  riveting  their  gaze  in  that  direction,  all  beheld  the 
bridge,  hitherto  deserted,  suddenly  covered  with  a  multitude  of  savages, 
among  whom  were  several  individuals  attired  in  the  European  garb,  and  evi- 
dently prisoners.  Each  officer  had  a  telescope  raised  to  his  eye,  and  each 
prepared  himself,  shudderingly,  for  some  horrid  consummation.  Presently 
the  bridge  was  cleared  of  all  but  a  double  line  of  what  appeared  to  be  women, 
armed  with  war-clubs  and  tomahawks.  Along  the  line  were  now  seen  to 
pass,  in  slow  succession,  the  prisoners  that  had  previously  been  observed. 
At  each  step  they  took  (and  it  was  evident  they  had  been  compelled  to  run 
the  gauntlet,)  a  blow  was  inflicted  by  some  one  or  other  of  the  line,  until  the 
wretched  victims  were  successively  despatched.  A  loud  yell  from  the  war- 
riors, who,  although  hidden  from  view  by  the  intervening  orchards,  were  evi- 
dently merely  spectators  in  the  bloody  drama,  announced  each  death.  These 
yells  were  repeated,  at  intervals,  to  about  the  number  of  thirty,  when,  sud- 
denly the  bridge  was  again  deserted  as  before. 

After  the  lapse  of  a  minute,  the  tall  figure  of  a  warrior  was  seen  to  ad- 
vance, holding  a  female  in  his  arms.  No  one  could  mistake,  even  at  that 
distance,  the  gigantic  proportions  of  Wacousta,  as  he  stood  in  the  extreme 
centre  of  the  bridge,  in  imposing  relief  against  the  flood  that  glittered  like  a 
sea  of  glass  beyond.  From  his  chest  there  now  burst  a  single  yell ;  but,  al- 
though audible,  it  was  fainter  than  any  remembered  ever  to  liivve  been  heard 
from  bir.i  by  the  garrison.  lie  then  advanced  to  the  extreme  edge  of  the 
bridge ;  and.  i-:iising  t'i(!  form  of  the  f.-male  far  above  his  lnv.d  with  his  lefl 
hand,  scoiuud  to  wave  her  in  vcngoful  triuiajjli.  A  second  v.-arrior  was  seen 
upon  the  "i)ri';:v  and  st!>a]in;:;  ca-.iliotisly  to  ll-.e  siiiiio  jjoint.  The  right  hand 
of  the  first  warrio;'  wt-r.  now  niisid  and  bniiidisbed  in  the  idr:  in  the  next  in- 


iilt  It  •{■: 


■•]:'<\ 


m 


■S  '1 


ic  R'lnjt'".  v.'ho  fel!  fVoiii  b;s  arms  into 


220 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy 


the  ravine  beneath.  Yells  of  triumph  from  the  Indian«,  and  sliouts  of  ex- 
ecration from  the  Boldiers,  mingled  faintly  tORcther.  At  that  moment  the 
arm  of  the  second  warrior  was  raised,  and  a  blade  was  seen  to  glitter  in  the 
sunshine.  His  arm  descended,  and  Wacousta  was  observed  to  stagger  for- 
waixl  ar.d  fall  heavily  into  the  abyss  into  which  his  victim  had  the  instant 
before  been  precipitate<l.  Another  loud  yell,  but  of  disappointment  and  anger, 
was  heard  drowning  that  of  exultation  pealed  by  the  triumphant  warrior, 
who,  darting  to  the  open  extremity  of  the  bridge,  cfirected  his  night  along  the 
margin  of  the  river,  where  a  light  canoe  was  ready  to  receive  him.  Into  this 
he  sprang,  and,  seizing  the  paddle,  sent  the  waters  foaming  from  its  sides ; 
and,  pursuing  his  way  across  the  river,  had  nearly  gained  the  sliorcs  of  Canada 
before  a  bark  was  to  be  seen  following  in  pursuit. 

How  felt — how  acted  C<jlonel  de  Ilaldimar  throughout  this  brief  but  terri- 
ble scene  1  ITe  uttered  not  a  Avord.  With  his  arms  still  folded  across  his 
breast,  ho  gazed  upon  the  murder  of  his  child  ;  but  he  heaved  not  a  groan,  he 
shed  not  a  tear. '  A  momentary  triumph  seemed  to  irradiate  his  pallid  features, 
when  ho  saw  the  blow  struck  that  annihilated  his  enemy ;  but  it  was  again 
instantly  shaded  by  an  expression  of  the  most  profound  despair. 

"'  It  is  done,  gentlemen,"  he  at  length  I'emarked.  "  The  tragedy  is  closed, 
the  curse  of  Ellen  Halloway  is  fulfilled,  and  I  am — childless ! — Blackwater," 
he  pursued,  endea'">ring  to  stifle  the  emotion  produced  by  the  last  reflection, 
"  pay  every  attenuoi  to  the  security  of  the  garrison,  see  that  the  drawbridge 
is  again  properly  chained  up,  and  direct  that  the  duties  of  the  troops  be  prose- 
cuted in  every  way  as  heretofore." 

Leaving  his  officers  to  wonder  at  and  pity  that  apathy  of  mind  that  could 
mingle  the  mere  forms  of  duty  with  the  most  heart-rendering  associations. 
Colonel  de  Haldimar  now  quitted  the  rampart ;  and,  with  a  head  that  was  re- 
marked for  the  first  time  to  droop  over  his  chest,  paced  his  way  musing  to  his 
apartments.  ' 


CHAPTER  XXXV. 

Night  had  long  since  drawn  her  circling  mantle  over  the  western  hemis- 
phere ;  and  deeper,  far  deeper  than  the  gloom  of  that  night  was  the  despair 
which  filled  every  bosom  of  the  devoted  garrison,  whose  fortunes  it  has  fallen 
to  our  lot  to  record.  A  silence,  profound  as  that  of  death,  pervaded  the  ram- 
parts and  exterior  defences  of  the  fortress,  interrupted  only,  at  long  intei-vals, 
by  the  customary  "  All's  well !"  of  the  several  sentinels ;  which,  after  the 
awful  events  of  the  day,  seemed  to  many  who  now  heard  it  as  if  uttered  in 
mockery  of  their  hopelessness  of  sorrow.  The  lights  within  the  barracks  of 
the  men  had  long  since  extinguished ;  and,  consigned  to  a  mere  repose  of 
limb,  in  which  the  eye  and  heart  shared  not,  the  inferior  soldiery  pressed  their 
rude  couches  with  spirits  worn  out  by  a  succession  of  painful  excitements,  and 
frames  debilitated  by  much  abstinence  and  watching,  it  was  an  hour  at  which 
sleep  was  wont  to  afford  them  the  blessing  of  a  temporary  forgetfulness  of  en- 
durances that  weighed  the  more  heavily  as  they  were  believed  to  be  endless 
and  vrithout  fruit ;  but  sleep  had  now  apparently  been  banished  from  all ;  for 
the  low  and  confused  murmur  that  met  the  ear  from  the  several  block-houses 
was  continuous  arid  general,  betraying  at  times,  and  in  a  louder  key,  Avords 
that  bore  reference  to  the  tragic  occurrences  of  the  day. 

The  only  lights  visible  in  the  fort  proceeded  from  the  guard-house  and  a 
room  adjoining  that  of  the  ill-fated  Charles  de  Haldimar.  Within  the  latter 
were  collected,  with  the  exception  of  the  governor,  and  grouped  aroimd  a  bed 
on  which  lay  one  of  their  companions  in  a  nearly  expiring  state,  the  officers  of 
the  garrison,  reduced  nearly  one  third  in  number  since  we  first  offered  them 


'»  • 


wacousta;    or,   the    prophecy. 


321 


to  the  notice  of  our  reatlcrH.  The  dying  roan  was  Sir  Evernrd  Vallotort,  who, 
supported  by  pillows,  wus  conchiding  n  narrative  that  had  chained  the  carnost 
attention  of  his  auditory,  even  amid  the  deep  and  heartfelt  sympathy  percep- 
tible in  encih  for  the  forlorn  and  hopeless  condition  of  the  narrator.  At  tho 
Bide  of  the  unhappy  baronet,  and  enveloped  in  a  dressing  gown,  as  if  recently 
out  of  hod,  sut,  reclining  in  a  rude  elbow  chair,  one  whoso  palHd  countenance 
denoted  that,  although  far  less  seriously  injured,  he,  too,  had  suffered  severe- 
ly:— it  was  Lieutenant  Johnstone. 

The  narrative  was  iit  length  closed ;  and  tho  officer,  exhausted  by  the 
effort  lie  had  made  in  his  anxiety  to  communicate  every  particular  to  his 
attentive  and  surprised  companions,  had  sunk  back  upon  his  pillow,  when, 
suddenly,  the  loud  and  unusual  "'  Who  comes  there  ?"  of  tho  sentinol 
stationed  on  the  rampart  above  tho  gateway,  arrested  every  ear.  A  mo- 
ment of  pause  succeeded,  when  again  was  heard  tho  "  Stand,  friend !"  evi- 
dently given  in  reply  to  the  familiar  answer  to  the  original  challenge.  Then 
were  audible  rapid  movements  in  tho  g»iard-house,  as  of  men  aroused  from 
temporary  slumberj  and  hastening  to  tlie  point  w.ienco  the  voice  proceeded. 
Silently  yet  hurriedly  the  officers  now  quitted  the  bedside  of  tlie  dying  man, 
leaving  only  the  surgeon  and  t)io  invalid  Johnstone  behind  them ;  and,  fljing 
to  tho  rampart,  stood  in  the  next  minute  confounded  with  the  guard,  who 
were  already  gi'ouped  round  tho  challenging  sentinel,  bending  their  gaze  eagerly 
in  the  direction  of  the  road. 

"  What  now,  man  ? — whom  have  you  cl  allengcd  ?"  asked  Major  Blackwator. 
"  It  is  I — Do  Ilaldinmr,"  hoarsely  exclaimed  one  of  foiu-  dark  figures  that, 
hitherto  unnoti'^ed  by  the  officers,  stood  immediately  beyond  the  ditch,  with 
a  burden  desposited  at  their  feet.  "  Quick,  Blackwater,  let  us  in  for  God's 
sake !  Each  succeeding  minute  may  bring  a  scouting  party  on  our  track. 
Lower  the  drawbridge !" 

"  Impossible  I"  exclaimed  tho  major :  "  after  all  that  has  passed,  it  is  more 
than  my  commission  is  worth  to  lower  tho  bridge  without  permission.  Mr. 
Lawson,  quick  to  the  governor,  and  report  that  Captain  do  Ilaldimar  is  here : 
with  whom  shall  we  say  ?"  again  addressing  the  impatient  and  almost  indig- 
nant officer. 

"With  Miss  de  Ilaldimar,  Franfois  the  Canadian,  and  one  to  whom  wo  all 
owe  our  lives,"  hurriedly  returned  the  officer ;  "  and  you  may  add,"  he  con- 
tinued gloomily,  "  the  corpse  of  my  sister.  But  while  we  stand  in  parley  here, 
we  are  lost :  Lawson  fly  to  my  father,  and  tell  him  we  wait  for  entrance." 

With  nearly  the  speed  enjoined  the  adjutant  departed.  Scarcely  a  minute 
elapsed  when  he  again  stood  upon  the  rampart,  and  advancing  closely  to  the 
major,  whispered  a  few  words  in  his  ear. 

"  Good  God  !  can  it  be  possible  ?  When  ?  How  came  this  ?  but  we  will 
enquire  later.  Open  the  gate ;  down  with  the  bridge,  Leslie,"  addressing  tho 
officer  of  tho  guard. 

The  command  was  instantly  obeyed.  The  officers  flew  to  receive  the  fugi- 
tives ;  and  as  the  latter  crossed  the  drawbridge,  the  light  of  a  lantern,  that  had 
been  brought  from  the  guard-room,  flashed  full  upon  the  harassed  counte- 
nances of  Captain  and  Miss  de  Haldimar,  Fran9ois  tho  Canadian,  and  the  de- 
voted Oucanasta. 

Silent  and  melancholy  was  the  greeting  that  took  place  between  the  parties : 
the  voice  spoke  not ;  the  hand  alone  was  eloquent ;  but  it  was  in  the  eloquence 
of  sorrow  only  that  it  indulged.  Pleasure,  even  in  this  almost  despaired  of 
re-union,  could  not  be  expressed ;  and  even  the  eye  shrank  from  mutual  en- 
counter, us  if  its  very  glance  at  such  a  moment  were  sacrilege.  Recalled  to  a 
sense  of  her  situation  by  the  preparation  of  tho  men  to  raise  the  bridge,  the 
Indian  woman  was  the  first  to  break  the  silence. 

"  The  Sa^anaw  is  safe  within  his  fort,  and  the  girl  of  the  pale  faces  will  lay 
her  head  upon  his  bosom,"  .she  roinarked  solomly.  '•  Oucanasta  will  go  to  her 
solitary  wigwam  amonjr  tho  red  .slcins." 


222 


wacuusta:    ok,    the    prui'iiecy 


Tho  heart  of  MtMklino  do  IlalUinior  was  oppresNod  liy  the  weight  of  many 
griefs ;  yet  slie  eoulcl  not  see  the  gfnerous  preserver  of  her  life,  and  the  rescuer 
of  the  body  of  lier  ill-Gtted  cousin  depart  witliout  emotion.  Drawing  a  ring 
of  some  vuhie  and  ^reat  Vnauty,  front  her  finger,  which  she  had  more  than 
once  observed  the  Indian  to  aihnire,  she  placed  it  on  her  hand ;  and  then 
throwinj^  herself  on  tlie  bosom  of  the  faithful  creature,  embraced  her  with 
deep  nmnif.'stations  of  ailection,  but  without  uttering  a  word. 

Oucaimstii  was  sensibly  gratifieri ;  she  raised  her  large  eyes  to  heaven  as  if 
in  thankfulness  ;  nud  by  the  light  of  the  lantern,  which  fell  upon  her  dark 
but  expressive  counteniince,  tears  were  to  be  seen  starting  unbidden  from  their 
source. 

lleleiised  from  the  embrace  of  her  whoso  life  she  had  twice  preserved  at 
imminent  peril  to  lior  own,  the  Indian  again  prepared  to  depart;  but  there 
was  unothti-,  who,  like  Madeline,  ulthough  stricken  by  nuuiy  .sorrows,  could 
not  forego  the  testimony  of  his  heart's  gratitude.  Captain  de  Ilaldinuir,  who 
during  this  short  scene  had  despatclied  a  messenger  to  his  I'oom  for  the  pur- 
po.se,  now  ailvanced  to  the  poor  girl,  bearing  a  short  but  elegantly  mounted 
dagg<!r,  which  he  begged  her  to  deliver  as  n  token  of  friendship  to  the  young 
chief  her  brother,  lie  then  dropped  on  one  knee  at  her  feet,  and  raising  her 
Inmd,  pres.sc<l  it  fervently  against  his  liciirt ;  an  action  wliicli,  even  to  the  un- 
tutored mind  of  the  Indian,  liore  evidence  only  of  the  feeling  iliat  prompted 
it.  A  heavy  sigh  esraped  her  laboring  'best ;  and  as  tho  officer  now  rose  and 
quitted  her  hand,  she  turned  slowly  and  v.ith  dignity  fioin  him.  and  crossing 
the  drawbridge,  was  in  a  lew  minutes  lost  in  the  surrounding  gloom. 

Our  readers  have  doubtless  anticipated  the  comnnmication  mu'le  to  Major 
Blackwater  by  the  Adjutant.  Lawson.  Bowed  down  to  the  dust  by  the  ac- 
compli.shment  of  the  curse  of  Ellen  llallovviiy,  the  inflexibility  of  Colonel  do 
llaldiniar's  pride  was  not  proof  against  the  utter  annihilation  wrought  to  his 
hopes  as  a  father  by  the  unrelenting  hatred  of  the  enemy  his  earl^'  falsehood 
and  treachery  had  raised  up  to  him.  When  the  adjutant  entered  his  apart- 
ment, the  stony  coldness  of  his  cheek  attested  he  had  been  dciul  for  some 
hours. 

We  pass  over  the  few  days  of  bitter  trial  that  succeeded  to  the  restoration 
of  Captain  de  llaldimar  and  his  bride  to  their  friends ;  days  during  which  were 
consigned  to  the  same  grave  the  bodies  of  the  governor,  his  lamented  children, 
and  the  scarcely  less  regretted  Sir  Kverard  Valletort.  The  funeral  service  was 
attempted  by  Captain  lilessington  ;  but  the  strong  afl'ecLion  of  that  excellent 
oflScer,  for  three  of  the  defunct  parties  at  least,  was  not  armed  against  the 
trial.  He  had  undertaken  a  task  far  beyond  his  strength ;  and  scarcely  had 
commenced,  ere  he  was  compelled  to  relinquish  the  jjerfbrmance  of  the  ritual 
to  the  adjutant.  A  large  grave  had  been  dug  close  under  the  raijipart,  and 
near  the  fatal  flag-staff,  to  receive  the  bodies  of  their  decca.sed  friends  j  and, 
as  they  were  lowered  successively  into  their  last  eaithly  resting  place,  tears 
fell  unrestrainedly  over  the  bronzed  cheeks  of  the  oldest  soldiers,  while  many 
a  female  sob  blended  with  and  gave  touching  solenmity  to  the  .scene. 

On  the  morning  of  the  third  day  from  this  quadruple  interment,  notice  was 
given  by  one  of  the  sentinels  that  an  Indian  was  approaching  the  fort,  making 
signs  as  if  in  demand  for  a  parley.  The  officers,  headed  by  Major  Llackwater, 
now  become  the  commandant  of  the  place,  immediatelj-  a.scended  the  rampart, 
when  the  stranger  was  at  once  recognized  by  Captain  de  Haldimar  for  the 
young  Ottawa,  the  preserver  of  his  life,  and  the  avenger  of  the  deaths  of 
tho.se  they  mourned,  in  whose  girdle  was  thrust,  in  .seeining  pride,  the  richly 
mounted  dagger  that  officer  had  caused  to  be  couvejed  to  him  through  his 
110  less  generous  sister.  A  long  conference  ensued,  in  the  language  of  tho 
Ottawas.  between  the  parties  just  named,  the  purport  of  which  was  of  high 
moment  to  the  garrison,  now  nearly  reduced  to  the  last  extremity.  The 
young  chief  had  come  to  apprise  them,  that,  won  by  the  noble  conduct  of  the 
English,  on  a  lute  occasion,  when  his  warriors  were  wholly  m  their  power, 


i 


■«i* 


wm 


^w^Tn^iWWIlUP^^ 


wacodsta;    or,  the   prophecy. 


283 


Pontoac  had  exproHscd  a  gcncrouM  dotcrmination  to  conclude  a  pence  with  the 
garriHon,  and  henceforth  to  conKidcr  them  an  his  friends.  TiiiH  lie  had  publicly 
declared  in  a  larfje  council  of  the  chiefs,  held  the  precedinp  night ;  and  the 
motive  of  the  Ottawa's  coming  was  to  assure  the  English,  that,  on  this  occa- 
sion, their  great  leader  was  perfectly  sincere  in  a  resolution,  at  which  he  had 
the  more  r.'adily  arrived,  now  that  his  terrible  coadjutor  and  vindictive  adviser 
was  no  more.  He  prepared  them  for  the  coming  of  Ponteac  and  the  principal 
chiefs  of  the  league  to  demand  a  council  on  the  morrow ;  and,  with  this  final 
communication,  again  withdrew. 

The  Ottawa  was  right.  Within  a  week  from  that  period  the  English  were 
to  be  seen  once  more  issuing  from  their  fort ;  and,  although  many  months 
elapsed  before  the  wounds  of  their  sutfering  hearts  were  healed,  still  were 
they  grateful  to  Providence  for  their  final  preservation  from  a  doom  that  had 
fallen,  without  exception,  on  every  fortress  on  the  line  of  frontier  in  which 
they  lay. 

Time  rolled  on ;  and,  in  the  course  of  years,  Oucanasta  might  be  seen  asso- 
ciating with  and  bearing  curious  presents,  the  fruits  of  Indian  ingenuity,  to 

the  daughters  of  De  Haldimar,  now  become  the  colonel  of  the regiment ; 

while  her  brother,  the  chief,  instructed  his  sons  in  the  athletic  and.  active  exer- 
cises peculiar  to  his  race.  As  for  poor  Ellen  Halloway,  search  had  been  made 
for  her,  but  she  never  was  heard  of  afterwards. 


THS  END. 


lotice  was 
t,  making 
ackwater, 
rampart, 
for  the 
deaths  of 
the  richly 
rough  his 
,!re  of  the 
of  high 
ity.     The 
uct  of  the 
power, 


.  > 


